August 25, 08

NEWS / Diplomatic Security Helps Return Fugitive from Thailand to Face Charges of Sexually Assaulting a Chi

Bureau of Diplomatic Security
Washington, DC
August 22, 2008

State Department Special Agents Coordinated Return of Howard Pritt

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) helped facilitate the arrest of Howard Pritt on August 13, in Thailand, and his return to the United States on August 21. Pritt is wanted in Denton County, TX, on two counts of Indecency with a Child and three counts of Sexual Assault of a Child.

Diplomatic Security special agents assigned to the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok received information that Pritt was hiding in a small village near the town of Korat, Thailand.

The Regional Security Office in Embassy Bangkok coordinated with local officials to locate Pritt, and discovered during the course of his investigation that Pritt’s passport had expired, rendering his presence in Thailand illegal.

On August 13, 2008, upon notification by DS special agents in Embassy Bangkok of Pritt’s illegal immigration status, Thai Immigrations Officials detained Pritt and transported him to Bangkok. The U.S. Marshals Service escorted Pritt back to the United States from Bangkok on August 21.

Pritt is scheduled to make his initial court appearance before a judge in Los Angeles, CA on August 21, after which he is scheduled to be transferred to Texas for further prosecution.

Gregory B. Starr, Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, stated, “It’s this type of close, worldwide law enforcement liaison capability that gives Diplomatic Security unparalleled ability to apprehend fugitives like Pritt. His return highlights the critical role DS plays in bringing suspects and fugitives to justice, regardless of where they may hide. Pritt’s apprehension was a direct result of law enforcement coordination and field efforts by Diplomatic Security, the U.S. Marshals Service, and local Thai police and immigration officials.”

Because the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the most widely represented law enforcement organization in the world, DS’s capability to track and capture fugitives who have fled U.S. jurisdiction to avoid prosecution is unmatched. During 2007, DS assisted in the resolution of 113 international fugitive cases from over 30 different countries. DS has returned 83 fugitives in 2008 alone.

Source: http://www.state.gov/m/ds/rls/108817.htm