Who is Carlos Nava? Illegal Immigrant Accused of Serial R*pes in Nevada Faces Trial

Carlos Nava, a 49-year-old Mexican national accused of multiple violent sexual assaults in Nevada, has withdrawn a plea deal, reopening one of the most disturbing criminal cases in the state. Prosecutors say Nava could be connected to as many as 17 victims over nearly two decades.

Who is Carlos Nava?

Carlos Nava is an illegal immigrant from Mexico with a long criminal history in the United States. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), he was deported at least eight times since 2002, but managed to re-enter the country repeatedly. His past arrests include battery and domestic violence charges, and his last deportation took place in 2020.

The Alford Plea and Withdrawal

On July 30, 2025, Nava entered an Alford plea to one count of sexual assault with use of a deadly weapon. This type of plea allows a defendant to avoid admitting guilt while acknowledging that prosecutors have enough evidence to convict. The deal initially dropped eight other charges.

However, on September 25, 2025, the very day of his sentencing, Nava withdrew his plea. As a result, prosecutors reinstated the original charges, setting the stage for a full trial.

DNA Evidence and Alleged Victims

Clark County Deputy District Attorney Julia Barker told the court that Nava may be connected to as many as 17 assaults, with six victims already identified and 11 more still unknown. Two of the victims were minors at the time.

Prosecutors also presented DNA evidence linking him to assaults. Barker noted, “It’s really hard for someone to maintain ‘I didn’t do this’ when his sperm is in places that indicate he probably did.”

Police also discovered disturbing evidence: 17 pairs of women’s underwear folded inside a backpack, along with latex gloves bound by a rubber band.

Timeline of Charges

Court records show that Nava faced multiple charges dating back to 2010. In one of the more recent cases, reported in 2022, he was spotted driving a white Ford pickup truck shortly after an assault was filed against him.

Current Status

Nava is currently being held at the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 9, 2025, when a new trial date is expected to be announced.