A man from Hamilton who has been evading authorities since 1991 was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in California earlier this month. Identified as Charles Peter Billone, aged 64, he had failed to show up in court after being released on recognizance 35 years ago following his initial arrest in 1991 on charges related to sexual assault and interference.
According to ICE, Billone was sought in Canada for a case involving sexual assault of a child, along with allegations of theft, assault, and drug offenses. Hamilton police revealed in 2014 that Billone had managed to elude capture by assuming a new identity, making it challenging for law enforcement to locate him using conventional methods.
ICE stated in a communication that Billone is currently in custody awaiting deportation proceedings. Hamilton police spokesperson Jackie Penman informed CBC Hamilton that the police department has been collaborating closely with the Crown’s office on this matter. Penman clarified that extradition processes are not underway at this time.