A former Wilmer Puello-Mota, once a member of the U.S. Air Force security forces, has emerged in Russian military propaganda videos after fleeing the United States to evade legal consequences. The 28-year-old, who faced charges related to child pornography and document forgery, is now reportedly serving as a drone operator for Russian forces in the occupied Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.
Puello-Mota's military career included a deployment to Afghanistan and a rise to the rank of technical sergeant in the Massachusetts Air National Guard. However, his service came to an abrupt end in October 2022 when he was discharged due to criminal charges. These charges stemmed from a 2020 incident in Rhode Island, where he was accused of possessing explicit images of an underage individual.
The legal troubles for Puello-Mota compounded in 2022 when he allegedly attempted to manipulate his case by fabricating military communications. This led to additional charges of forgery. Despite these serious allegations, he managed to win an unopposed seat on the Holyoke City Council in western Massachusetts in 2021, before his charges became public knowledge.
On January 7, 2023, just two days before he was expected to plead guilty, Puello-Mota boarded a flight from Dulles International Airport to Istanbul. This escape occurred approximately 1 year and 7 months ago, based on the current date.
In a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry on August 19, 2024, Puello-Mota, now using the call sign "Boston," appears as a member of a drone platoon within a motorized rifle unit. He claims to have applied his previous military experience to his new role, stating, "I've definitely been able to apply some of those skills, leadership skills, as well."
The involvement of Puello-Mota in the Russian military raises questions about the number of Americans potentially fighting under Russian command in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which is considered the largest in Europe since World War II.
"I don't consider myself a traitor. The United States and Russia are not at war."
This situation highlights the complex issues surrounding international conflicts, citizenship, and legal accountability. While hundreds of American veterans have volunteered to fight for Ukrainian forces, with some losing their lives, the phenomenon of U.S. citizens joining Russian ranks is less documented and understood.
The case of Wilmer Puello-Mota serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of criminal charges and the lengths some individuals may go to avoid facing justice. It also underscores the ongoing challenges in monitoring and preventing the involvement of foreign nationals in conflict zones.
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities in the United States, including the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office, are likely to pursue options for addressing Puello-Mota's legal status and potential extradition, although the lack of an extradition treaty with Russia complicates these efforts.