A man from Hamilton who had been evading authorities since 1991 was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in California recently. Identified as Charles Peter Billone, aged 64, he had absconded from court after being released on bail 35 years ago. Billone’s initial arrest in 1991 was on charges related to sexual assault and interference. ICE disclosed in a social media post on Aug. 4 that Billone was wanted in Canada for child sexual assault, along with past convictions for theft, assault, and drug offenses.

Hamilton police mentioned in 2014 that Billone had successfully eluded capture by assuming a new identity, making it difficult for authorities to locate him through conventional methods. ICE stated in their post that Billone is currently in custody awaiting deportation proceedings. Hamilton police spokesperson Jackie Penman informed CBC Hamilton that they are collaborating closely with the Crown’s office on the ongoing case, confirming that there are no extradition procedures in progress at this time.