Diplomatic Security Helps Return Fugitive from Thailand to Face Charges of Sexually Assaulting a ChildBureau of Diplomatic Security
Washington, DC
August 22, 2008
State Department Special Agents Coordinated Return of Howard Pritt
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) helped facilitate the arrest of Howard Pritt on August 13, in Thailand, and his return to the United States on August 21. Pritt is wanted in Denton County, TX, on two counts of Indecency with a Child and three counts of Sexual Assault of a Child.
Diplomatic Security special agents assigned to the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok received information that Pritt was hiding in a small village near the town of Korat, Thailand.
The Regional Security Office in Embassy Bangkok coordinated with local officials to locate Pritt, and discovered during the course of his investigation that Pritt’s passport had expired, rendering his presence in Thailand illegal.
On August 13, 2008, upon notification by DS special agents in Embassy Bangkok of Pritt’s illegal immigration status, Thai Immigrations Officials detained Pritt and transported him to Bangkok. The U.S. Marshals Service escorted Pritt back to the United States from Bangkok on August 21.
Pritt is scheduled to make his initial court appearance before a judge in Los Angeles, CA on August 21, after which he is scheduled to be transferred to Texas for further prosecution.
Gregory B. Starr, Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, stated, “It’s this type of close, worldwide law enforcement liaison capability that gives Diplomatic Security unparalleled ability to apprehend fugitives like Pritt. His return highlights the critical role DS plays in bringing suspects and fugitives to justice, regardless of where they may hide. Pritt’s apprehension was a direct result of law enforcement coordination and field efforts by Diplomatic Security, the U.S. Marshals Service, and local Thai police and immigration officials.”
Because the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the most widely represented law enforcement organization in the world, DS’s capability to track and capture fugitives who have fled U.S. jurisdiction to avoid prosecution is unmatched. During 2007, DS assisted in the resolution of 113 international fugitive cases from over 30 different countries. DS has returned 83 fugitives in 2008 alone.
The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the U.S. Department of State’s law enforcement and security arm. The special agents, engineers, and security professionals of the Bureau are responsible for the security of 285 U.S. diplomatic missions around the world. In the United States, Diplomatic Security personnel protect the U.S. Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States, investigate passport and visa fraud, and conduct personnel security investigations. More information about the U.S. Department of State and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security may be obtained at www.state.gov/m/ds.
Contact:
Brian H. Leventhal
571-345-2499
LeventhalBH@state.gov
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