A man from Hamilton who had been evading authorities since 1991 was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in California recently. Charles Peter Billone, 64, failed to appear in court 35 years ago after being released on a recognizance. Initially arrested in 1991 for sexual assault and sexual interference charges, ICE reported on August 4 that Billone was sought in Canada for sexual assault involving a child, in addition to having convictions for theft, assault, and drugs.
Hamilton police revealed in 2014 that Billone had managed to avoid capture by assuming a new identity, making it challenging to locate him using conventional methods. ICE confirmed that Billone is currently in custody awaiting removal proceedings.
Hamilton police spokesperson Jackie Penman stated that the police force has been collaborating closely with the Crown’s office on this matter. As of now, there are no extradition proceedings in progress.