He Became a Cop in Mexico: Antonio Riano, One of America's 'Most Wanted' Men, Arrested After 20 Years on the Run

Riano était recherché pour l’homicide de Benjamin Cecarra, un homme de 25 ans, en décembre 2004. Capture d'écran X – @DavidWinterTV

Antonio Riano, a man wanted by U.S. law enforcement for a 2004 homicide, was arrested on August 1, 2024 after fleeing to Mexico.

On August 1, 2024, the United States Marshals Service and the Butler County District Attorney in Pennsylvania announced the capture of Antonio Riano, one of the most wanted men by local authorities. Riano was wanted for the December 2004 homicide of Benjamin Cecarra, a 25-year-old man. After the shooting, Riano fled the United States to avoid prosecution.

An unusual reconversion

In fact, Antonio Riano began a rather unusual career change by working as a local police officer in Mexico. The discovery came as a surprise to U.S. authorities, who worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure Riano's arrest and extradition.

According to Le Parisien, when interviewed by local television station WKRC-TV, Riano said he wanted to “to help the Mexican people”, thus explaining his entry into law enforcement. He also denied being the author of the murder of Benjamin Cecarra.

Not a stranger

For the general North American public, the fugitive apprehended was not a total stranger. He had appeared in an episode of the television show “America’s Most Wanted" in 2005. However, his arrest did not stem from this show, but from a simple Facebook page. Investigator Mark Henson, interviewed by a local television station, explained that he had identified “El Diablo” thanks to this public page. “I thought to myself: “My God, there he is”. A little grayer, a little older, but it was him.”.