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. Charles Peter Billone, aged 64, failed to show up in court after being released on bail 35 years ago. Originally arrested in 1991 on charges of sexual assault and sexual interference, ICE stated in a recent announcement that Billone was wanted in Canada for sexual assault involving a child, along with allegations of theft, assault, and drug offenses.
Hamilton police disclosed in 2014 that Billone had managed to elude capture by assuming a new identity, making it difficult for law enforcement to track him down through conventional methods. Currently, ICE has confirmed that Billone is in custody awaiting deportation proceedings.
Jackie Penman, a spokesperson for Hamilton police, informed CBC Hamilton that the department has been collaborating closely with the Crown’s office on this matter. She clarified that extradition proceedings are not underway at present.
[Image Caption: A file photo of Charles Peter Billone from his 1991 arrest. (Hamilton Police Service)]