|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: |
September 29, 2008 |
South Dakota
Warren Anderson, U. S. Marshal (605) 330-4351;
USMS Headquarters Public Affairs (202) 307-9065 |
|
|
|
Child Found After Missing For Two Years |
|
Shanae Peterson - Recovered Child
Perry and Eileen Sharp - Fugitives Arrested
In October of 2007, the U.S. Marshals Service was asked for assistance in
locating and apprehending fugitives Eileen and Perry Sharp. In August of
2006, the FBI obtained an Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution warrant for
the Sharps based on felony warrants in the non-custodial abduction of Shanae
Peterson. The United States Marshals Service-led Black Hills Fugitive Task
Force adopted the felony cases upon request.
Eileen Sharp initially had custody of Shanae with a court order from a South
Dakota court to allow specific visitation for the father, Layne Peterson.
Sharp violated the court order by not allowing the required visitation.
Layne Peterson petitioned the court in Beadle County South Dakota to revisit
custody and visitation rights. The Court reversed custody and gave physical
custody to Layne. The Court also ordered Eileen Sharp to turn Shanae over to
her father on or before August 15, 2006. Perry and Eileen Sharp along with
Shanae fled the area on or about August 12, 2006.
During the course of this investigation, a tip was received through Americas
Most Wanted on September 19, 2008. The tip involved a person who had worked
with Perry Sharp in Dawson Creek, BC, Canada. The tipster stated he was on
the internet and at some point ended up on the Americas Most Wanted website.
At that time, he saw a picture of Perry Sharp. The tipster recognized the
photo but knew Perry Sharp as Robert “Bobby” Evans. A photo of Eileen and
Shanae were also shown on AMW. The tipster stated Eileen Sharp was using the
name of Dorothy Evans and Shanae Peterson’s name was Shannon Evans.
A lead was sent by U.S. Marshals from South Dakota to U. S. Marshals
International, along with the tip and other information concerning the case.
Deputy Marshal Alex Claunts, from Idaho was then contacted. Deputy Marshal
Claunts contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who then began
confirmation of the sighting in Dawson Creek.
On Monday, September 29, 2008, positive identification was made and Perry
and Eileen Sharp were arrested without incident. The Sharp’s admitted their
true identity and are awaiting deportation from Canada. Shanae was taken
from school and arrangements are being made by Canadian authorities to
return her to her father in South Dakota. |
|