South Dakota Fugitive Returned to the United StatesBureau of Diplomatic SecurityWashington, DC February 29, 2008 State Department Special Agents Help Return Donald John Manning The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) played a key role in coordinating the detention and return of South Dakota resident Donald John Manning to the United States on February 27 after his arrest in Nicaragua on February 23. Manning was wanted for one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and eleven counts of wire fraud. The United States District Court, Southern District of California, issued a warrant for Manning’s arrest in May 2006. Manning is accused of operating a pyramid scheme through a fraudulent shell company called The Brixon Group Limited. This shell company allegedly defrauded investors of approximately $10 million in the state of California. A DS Special Agent assigned as the Regional Security Officer (RSO) at the United States Embassy in Managua, Nicaragua received information from a FBI agent assigned as the Assistant Legal Attaché in Panama that Manning was in Nicaragua. Nicaraguan law enforcement authorities arrested Manning while traveling on a ferry across Lake Nicaragua. With the assistance of the Nicaraguan National Police, Nicaraguan Immigration officials, and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Manning was successfully returned to the United States. Patrick D. Donovan, Acting Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), stated, “It’s this type of close, worldwide law enforcement liaison capability that gives Diplomatic Security unparalleled ability to apprehend fugitives like Manning. His return highlights the critical role DSS plays in bringing suspects and fugitives to justice, regardless of where they may hide. Manning’s apprehension was a direct result of law enforcement coordination and field efforts by Diplomatic Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Embassy in Managua, Nicaragua and local Nicaraguan law enforcement.” 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. 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: 571-345-2507 |
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