Illegal alien child predator convicted, now pending deportation

Photo: Javier Escamilla (DeSoto County Jail photo)

April 9, 2025 – Javier Escamilla, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, has been convicted after pleading guilty to the crime of sexual battery against a child. Escamilla was sentenced to five years in Mississippi State Prison, but due to his status as an illegal alien, he will not serve time in the United States. Instead, he will face deportation, following 414 days already spent in county jail, at a cost of more than $25,000 to taxpayers.

“This conviction sends a clear and unwavering message — we will not allow child predators to roam freely in our communities. We’ve held this individual accountable for his horrific actions, and now, through the Trump Administration, we will see that he is deported and barred from returning to the U.S.A.,” said District Attorney Matthew Barton. “The safety of our children is non-negotiable, and we will continue to work relentlessly to protect our families from anyone who seeks to harm them.”

Barton said Escamilla’s conviction sends a strong message that child predators will face accountability in DeSoto County. The case was thoroughly investigated by the Southaven Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Benjamin Weathers.