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  4. U.S. Border Patrol Encounter in Vermont Leads to the Apprehension of a Wanted Child Predator Who Fled to Ottawa

U.S. Border Patrol Encounter in Vermont Leads to the Apprehension of a Wanted Child Predator Who Fled to Ottawa

Release Date
Fri, 07/01/2016

SWANTON, Vt., — A U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) vehicle stop in Alburgh, Vt., and subsequent investigation by the USPB, helped the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) locate a wanted fugitive in Ottawa, Canada on June 30.  The suspect was fleeing child pornography charges in Illinois. 

CBSA arrested Adrien C. Peters, 23, of South Beloit, Ill., around 2 a.m. at an Ottawa motel.  U.S. and Canadian authorities are working to extradite Peters back to Rockford, Ill.

Peters was due in a Rockford court on June 30 to face 12 felony charges of sexual exploitation of a minor. The FBI initially arrested Peters in June 2015.  Each count carries a potential penalty of 15 to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.

The search began after Swanton, Vt., Station Border Patrol agents stopped a vehicle on Line Road on June 29. During questioning, the driver admitted he dropped off Peters so Peters could cross into Canada illegally. The driver also provided the identity of the pick-up vehicle and driver in Canada.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) computer systems revealed that the pick-up driver entered Canada through the Rouses Point, N.Y., port of entry on June 29. Border Patrol agents placed an alert in the system to stop that driver on his return to the U.S.

The pick-up driver returned on the same day through the U.S. port of entry in Champlain, N.Y. During questioning, that driver provided Border Patrol agents the name and address of Peters’ Ottawa motel.

Border Patrol agents reported Peters’ motel location to CBSA through the Integrated Border Enforcement Team, and CBSA arrested Peters.

U.S. Border Patrol agents patrolling the international border near Alburgh, Vt.
U.S. Border Patrol agents patrolling the
international border near Alburgh, VT

The Swanton Sector Border Patrol has an outstanding working relationship with local, state, federal and international partners.

“This latest case is an excellent example of utilizing the whole of government approach to bring a wanted fugitive to justice,” said Chief Patrol Agent John Pfeifer, Swanton Border Patrol Sector.  “I would like to commend the Swanton Sector employees for their continued vigilance in keeping their communities safe, while in the performance of their border security mission.”

The two drivers who assisted Peters fleeing into Canada face potential federal charges for abetting a fugitive felon to flee prosecution.

One objective of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Strategic Plan is to engage the public to assist us in securing America’s borders. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity in the border area to the U.S. Border Patrol at 1-800-689-3362.

For more on CBP’s mission at our nation’s Ports of Entry with CBP officers, and along U.S. borders with Border Patrol agents, please visit the CBP’s Border Security website.

Criminal charges are merely allegations.  Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021