U.S. Marshals Join Search, Offer Reward for Accused Child Molester

Des Moines, IA – U.S. Marshals have joined Polk County authorities in the search for a Polk City man accused of sexually abusing a minor. Russell Eugene Blessman, 51, is charged with two counts of 2nd degree sexual abuse and one count of contempt of court in reference to an alleged violation of a no contact order. Arrest warrants were issued for Blessman in Polk County in June 2007.

Authorities believe Blessman may have fled Iowa prompting U.S. Marshals in Des Moines to obtain a federal arrest warrant and charge Blessman with Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP). U.S. Marshals are offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to Blessman’s arrest. 

Blessman is described as a 51 year old white male, 6’04” tall, weighing 360 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. Blessman may be driving a red 1997 Dodge Caravan with Iowa Plates 032-SJM, but is partial to Lincoln Town Cars. Blessman should be considered armed and dangerous and a threat to children. 

Persons with information about Blessman are encouraged to contact U.S. Marshals in Des Moines at 515-323-2897, U.S. Marshals Headquarters at 1-877-WANTED2, or local law enforcement. 

U.S. Marshals frequently provide assistance and expertise to other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in support of a wide range of law enforcement activities including fugitive apprehension. In Fiscal Year 2006, Marshals Service-led fugitive task forces arrested more than 46,800 state/local fugitives, clearing 54,300 state/local felony warrants.   

Additional information about U.S. Marshals, including Most Wanted fugitives, can be found at www.usmarshals.gov.