AMERICAN FUGITIVE ARRESTED IN QC

BY LEX MANALO

AGENTS of the Bureau of Immigration – Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) arrested an American national tagged as an undesirable alien.

Nabbed was American Jonathan Michael James, 37.

The suspect was arrested in an operation conducted by the Bi-FSU agents in Brgy. Krus na Ligas, Diliman, Quezon City on September 21.

According to the BI-FSU, James’ passport has been revoked by the United States authorities, and he is now considered as an undocumented and undesirable alien by Philippine immigration.

James is the subject of a warrant of arrest issued by the Davidson County, Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina, USA for five counts of second degree sexual exploitation of a minor, in violation of Section 14-190.17 of the North Carolina General Statutes.

The US government informed the BI early this month of his crimes, prompting BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco to issue a mission order to locate him and effect his arrest.

“We have close coordination with foreign governments to ensure that foreign fugitives do not use our country to escape punishment for their crimes,” said Tansingco.

James will remain in the BI’s holding facility in Taguig prior to his deportation.