Thursday, January 24, 2013

U.S. Marshals Arrest Texas Man Wanted for Sex Crimes Against a Child Alleged sexual assaults occurred in 2006



Williamsport, PA – United States Marshal Martin J. Pane announced today that the United States Marshals Service (USMS) arrested Dan Burch, a 36-year old man, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

In May 2007, Burch was arrested in Liberty County, Texas on charges of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. It is alleged that Burch assaulted his victim multiple times, with the last known assault occurring in 2006. The victim in this case was 13 years of age at the time of the alleged assaults.

In May 2010, an arrest warrant was issued in Liberty County, Texas charging Burch with violating his bond conditions. He has remained a fugitive from justice since May 5, 2010.

In early January 2013, the Liberty County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service in Beaumont, Texas to locate and arrest Burch. An investigative lead was sent to the USMS Middle District of Pennsylvania (M/PA) Fugitive Task Force. Information was developed on the possible whereabouts of Burch in the Bradford County area.

On January 22, U.S. Marshals based in Scranton located the fugitive in West Burlington, but he fled prior to arrest. A coordinated effort throughout Bradford County and Lycoming County led U.S. Marshals to several hotels in the Williamsport area.

During the late morning hours of January 23, U.S. Marshals cornered Burch in the parking lot of the Econo Lodge in Williamsport. The fugitive attempted to flee, but was captured by USMS personnel after a brief foot chase.

Burch was turned over to the Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville, where he will be charged as a fugitive-from-justice. Burch will await a hearing to determine his extradition status to Texas.

United States Marshal Martin J. Pane stated, “Victims of such crimes, especially our children, deserve the opportunity to face their alleged attackers in a court of law. The capture of Burch reflects the seriousness taken by the Marshals Service to ensure these type offenders are brought to justice.”

U.S. Marshals were assisted in this investigation by personnel from the following agencies who comprise the Service’s M/PA Fugitive Task Force: Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Office, Bradford County Sheriff’s Office, Penn College Police Department, South Williamsport Police Department, Lycoming County Sheriff’s Office, and Pennsylvania State Police.

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