| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT: |
|
May 31, 2007 |
Charlie Ahmad
Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal
Rapid City, South Dakota
Desk: 605-342-5203, FAX: 605-342-7161 |
|
|
|
|
ALLEGED RAPIST CAUGHT BY U.S.
MARSHALS TASK FORCE
AFTER 3 YEARS ON THE RUN |
|
|
SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA -- Brandon
Theodore James (36), a major case fugitive wanted on outstanding
federal charges of Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution and several
state charges including 3rd Degree Rape, was apprehended on May
22nd, 2007 in Marina Del Ray, California. James had been on the run
for more than 3 years when he was captured by the United States
Marshals Service led Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force.
On March 15, 2004 the Sioux Falls Police Department began an
investigation involving the sexual assault of two juveniles in Sioux
Falls. On March, 30, 2004, arrest warrants for Brandon Theodore
James were issued. The warrants included charges for: 2 counts of
Rape in the third degree, 3 counts of Sexual Contact With a Minor
under 16 years of age, and 1 count of Criminal Pedophilia. Brandon
James immediately fled and a federal warrant for “Unlawful Flight to
Avoid Prosecution” was issued by the U.S. Marshals Service District
of South Dakota.
Brandon James was profiled on “America’s Most Wanted” and “CNN’s
Nancy Grace” in the summer of 2006. The Sioux Falls Police
Department and the Sioux Falls Area Joint Fugitive Task Force worked
together to develop additional leads which indicated that James was
possibly hiding in the Marina Del Rey area of southern California
under an assumed name. The information was forwarded to the Pacific
Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force in Los Angeles, California.
During the late evening hours of May 22nd, an arrest team consisting
of a Deputy U.S. Marshal and a U.S. Secret Service Agent conducted
surveillance on the residence believed to be that of Brandon James.
James was later spotted leaving the residence and approached by the
officers. As the officers were confirming the identity of James and
handcuffing him, James attempted to flee but was quickly taken into
custody after a brief struggle.
“This case was made one of our highest priorities because of the
violent nature of the crime alleged to have been committed by this
fugitive,” said U.S. Marshal Warren Anderson, “our hearts go out to
the victims of this terrible crime.”
The U.S. Marshals Service, the Sioux Falls Police Department and the
Minnehaha County Sheriff’s office are the lead law enforcement
agencies for the Sioux Falls Area Joint Fugitive Task Force, a team
comprised of law enforcement officers from several law enforcement
agencies in eastern South Dakota. The mission of the task force is
to pursue and apprehend the “worst of the worst” criminals wanted on
outstanding arrest warrants. Crimes of violence, weapons, and
narcotics violations are among the highest priority of the task
force.
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found
at www.usmarshals.gov |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
