Authorities are asking the public's help in locating a New Bedford man accused of the rape and abuse of a child. They also hope to find his children, who they believe to be in danger.

On Wednesday, the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office released a wanted poster of 46-year-old Leon Mejia, who also goes by Leon Mejia-Vicente.

Mejia is a citizen of Guatemala who, until recently, lived in New Bedford with his two children, 17-year-old daughter Petronila Mejia-Saquic (called Marta Saquic) and 5-year-old son Hector Mejia-Saquic.

The D.A.’s Office said it is believed he fled following the warrant's issuance.

The whereabouts of his children are currently unknown and they are considered endangered, according to the D.A.'s Office.

Anyone who sees the suspect is urged not to try to apprehend him, but to call the Massachusetts State Police 24 Hour Fugitive Line at 800-KAPTURE or New Bedford Police Detective Sasha Vincente at (508) 971-8569.