Man Wanted for More Than a Decade Nabbed After Profile Airs on National TV

ROCKWELL, TX—A man on the run for more than a decade was arrested in Rockwell, TX this morning after investigators received tip calls from viewers of America’s Most Wanted. Jack Allen Poteat (dob: 10/03/1964) is wanted on a federal Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution warrant based on charges in Union County, NC.

A jury indicted Poteat in June 1999 for first degree statutory rape, first degree statutory sex offense, indecent liberties with a minor and crimes against nature involving a 13-year-old girl in Monroe, NC. Poteat failed to appear for his jury trial on October 19, 1999 and has been a fugitive ever since.

A profile of the case aired on America’s Most Wanted on January 22, 2011. Viewers in Texas recognized Poteat and called the FBI. After tracking down leads, law enforcement went to a home in Rockwell, TX this morning to make the arrest. When Poteat spotted law enforcement approaching the home, he took off in a truck and ended up crashing after a short chase. Poteat is being treated for minor injuries.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to have profiled this case on America’s Most Wanted, as well as the opportunity to work with the FBI and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office in apprehending this man,” said Ben Bailey, Chief Deputy Sheriff at the Union County Sheriff’s Office. “This is a prime example of what can happen when law enforcement agencies share information and cooperate in investigations. It also demonstrates that the public has the courage and willingness to come forward and turn in criminals.”

“After more than a decade, most fugitives may begin to believe they’ve beaten the system, but this case proves we won’t give up the chase. Our law enforcement partners and the Task Force Officer on our Safe Streets Task Force never stopped searching for Poteat,” said Aaron T. Ford, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Charlotte FBI. “This also proves the public can be our eyes and ears when we most need their help. Those tipsters who called in share in the success of this case.”

Press releases are available within 48 hours of release on the website for the FBI Charlotte Field Office at charlotte.fbi.gov.