A man from Hamilton who had been evading authorities since 1991 was apprehended by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in California earlier this month. Charles Peter Billone, aged 64, failed to show up in court after being released on a promise to appear 35 years ago. Initially arrested in 1991 on charges of sexual assault and sexual interference, ICE reported in a recent announcement that Billone was sought in Canada for sexual assault involving a child, alongside allegations of theft, assault, and drug offenses.
Hamilton police disclosed in 2014 that Billone managed to avoid capture by assuming a new identity, making it challenging for law enforcement to track him down using conventional methods. ICE stated in a communication that Billone is currently in custody awaiting deportation proceedings.
Jackie Penman, a spokesperson for Hamilton police, stated to CBC Hamilton that the department has been collaborating closely with the Crown’s office regarding this case. As of now, there are no extradition processes in motion.