Former Air National Guardsman Wilmer Puello-Mota, facing child pornography charges, allegedly defected and joined the Russian army in its war against Ukraine. Puello-Mota fled the country following charges of possession of child pornography, leading to his removal from the National Guard in October 2022. Puello-Mota had previously served in the active-duty Air Force as a security forces airman and was a city councilman in Holyoke, Massachusetts, during the legal proceedings related to the charges. His last known location was Istanbul, Turkey, according to court documents from the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office.
Puello-Mota boarded a flight on Jan. 7, two days before he was scheduled to appear in court for the child pornography charges, and left from Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia for Turkey. Social media posts from Puello-Mota and other users allegedly in Russia suggest that he joined the Russian army in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the authenticity of these posts is unclear, they are considered evidence that Puello-Mota has left U.S. jurisdiction. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha stated that the state has received photos and videos of Puello-Mota in Russia and Ukraine, and if authentic, he is well beyond the jurisdiction of the court.
The charges against Puello-Mota, which include possession of child pornography after allegedly soliciting nude photos from a teenager, are considered serious by the military community. The 104th Fighter Wing in Massachusetts, where Puello-Mota served, emphasized that criminal activity is not compatible with the values of the organization and will not be tolerated within its ranks. Puello-Mota’s decision to defect and join the Russian army in the conflict with Ukraine has raised concerns about his actions and whereabouts, as well as the implications of a former U.S. serviceman fighting against American interests.
Puello-Mota’s background in the military, as well as his tenure as a city councilman in Massachusetts, make his defection and alleged involvement in the conflict in Ukraine even more noteworthy. His decision to leave the country and join a foreign military force has sparked controversy and speculation about his motives and intentions. The legal proceedings related to the child pornography charges have been complicated by Puello-Mota’s absence and his apparent involvement in the conflict.
The social media posts claiming that Puello-Mota has joined the Russian army in Ukraine raise questions about his loyalty and allegiance to the United States. If the posts are authentic, it would suggest that Puello-Mota has chosen to fight against American interests, which could have serious implications for his legal status and potential consequences in the future. The Rhode Island Attorney General’s office is investigating the situation and trying to determine the veracity of the claims, as well as the potential legal ramifications for Puello-Mota.
The case of Wilmer Puello-Mota highlights the complex issues surrounding military service, criminal charges, and international conflicts. His decision to defect and join the Russian army has raised concerns about his actions, loyalty, and potential legal consequences. The details of the case, including his background, legal charges, and involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, are being closely monitored by law enforcement and military authorities. The outcome of this case could have lasting implications for Puello-Mota, as well as for the broader military community and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
