Ala. child rape suspect found 8 years later in Ohio - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

A man who authorities have sought for 8 years is in custody, charged with three counts of raping a 14-year-old Baldwin County, Alabama girl. Tuesday morning members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF), Toledo Division arrested the suspect, identified as Cheeley Andrew Hunter, 54.

Hunter was arrested and charged with rape in Alabama but fled the state before his trial and has been on the run since 2005. The NOVFTF received information that Hunter may possibly be in the local area although his exact whereabouts were unsure.

Through extensive research of numerous databases members of the NOVFTF determined that Hunter was living at a residence in Sylvania, Ohio. Early Tuesday morning, law enforcement officials surrounded Hunter's home, announced their presence and ordered him to open the door.

Hunter refused to comply and officers forced their way into the house. The fugitive from justice was arrested without further incident.

"This is a classic case of the perseverance and determination of the U.S. Marshals to apprehend fugitives for serious crimes, "said U.S. Marshal Peter J. Elliot. "Hunter was on the run for 8 years and was found several states away. This truly is a case of you can run all you want, but you can't hide."

Hunter's criminal history includes convictions for narcotics and burglary. He is currently in the Lucas County Jail in Ohio while awaiting extradition back to Alabama.

INFORMATION SOURCE: U.S. Marshals Service

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