Reward of up to $25,000 being offered for suspect charged
with over 14 counts of rape
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Marshals turned up the heat today in
the search for South Dakota fugitive Bonness, David - 15 Most Wanted Press
Release David Bonness by adding him to their 15 Most Wanted list and offering a
reward for information leading directly to his arrest. Bonness, 48, is wanted
by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and the Pennington County State’s
Attorney’s Office on two counts of criminal pedophilia, seven counts of
second-degree rape, three counts of third-degree rape, four counts of
fourth-degree rape, and sexual contact with a child under 16.
On Dec. 22, 2008, a 17-year-old girl told her mother that
Bonness had been sexually assaulting her since she was 12 years old.
Authorities were contacted and Bonness was brought in for questioning. When
asked to give a DNA sample, Bonness stopped the interview and was allowed to
leave. The following day, police obtained a search warrant to collect Bonness’
DNA, but they were too late. The accused allegedly fled the area and has been
on the run ever since.
“The crimes allegedly committed by Bonness are horrific,”
said U.S. Marshals Service Deputy Director David Harlow. “We, along with our
federal, state and local law enforcement partners, will make his capture our
top priority.”
“It is hard to imagine what kind of individual could commit
such unspeakable crimes,” said U.S. Marshal Paul Thielen of the District of
South Dakota. “The U.S. Marshals and our law enforcement partners are
determined to bring Bonness to justice and give some sense of closure to the
young victim and her family.”
On Jan. 22, 2009, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office
issued an arrest warrant for Bonness. The U.S. Marshals’ Black Hills Fugitive
Task Force in Rapid City, South Dakota, joined the manhunt soon after. Bonness
is now one of the country’s most wanted fugitives, and authorities are seeking
the public’s help in locating him.
Bonness is a 5-foot-9 white male weighing approximately 180
pounds with brown hair and green eyes. He has personal ties in the states of
Wyoming and Nebraska, but he could be anywhere in the country. He could also be
using an alias to hide his identity. Based on the nature of his crimes, Bonness
poses a significant threat to the public, especially children.
A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information
leading directly to Bonness’ arrest. Anyone with information is urged to
contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service
Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or email usms.wanted@usdoj.gov.
“We will all continue our efforts to track down this
dangerous predator,” said Pennington County Sheriff Kevin Thom. “With the help
of the public and the additional resources that are being brought to bear, we
are optimistic that David Bonness will be captured. There will be no place left
to hide.”
“We are committed to this prosecution. We are grateful for
the support and resources of our ally, the U.S. Marshal Service, and are
confident that this next step will lead to the apprehension of David Bonness,”
Pennington County State’s Attorney Mark Vargo said.
http://www.usmarshals.gov
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