Border encounter leads to arrest of wanted child predator in Canada

A vehicle stop by the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) and subsequent investigation helped the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) locate a wanted fugitive in Ottawa, Canada, on Friday.

CBSA arrested Adrien C. Peters of South Beloit, Illinois, at an Ottawa hotel. Peters was wanted for fleeing child pornography charges in Illinois and was originally due for court on June 30 to face 12 felony charges of sexual exploitation of a minor. Each count carries a penalty of 15-30 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

The incident began when Station Border Patrol Agents in Swanton, Vermont, stopped a vehicle on Line Road on June 29. During questioning, the driver of the vehicle mentioned that he had dropped off Peters so that Peters could cross into Canada illegally. The driver also provided the identity of the pick-up vehicle and driver in Canada.

After a short investigation, agents discovered that the pick-up driver entered Canada through the Rouses Point, N.Y., port of entry on June 29.

The pick-up driver returned to the U.S. on the same day and was questioned by agents. The driver then provided agents with the name and address of the motel at which Peters was staying.

U.S. and Canadian authorities are working to extradite Peters back to Rockford, Illinois.

“This latest case is an excellent example of utilizing the whole of government approach to bring a wanted fugitive to justice,” John Pfeiffer, chief patrol agent of the Swanton Border Patrol Sector, said. “I would like to commend the Swanton Sector employees for their continued vigilance in keeping their communities safe, while in the performance of their border security mission.”