Task Force Apprehends Brian Berlo

Concord – United States Marshal Stephen Monier, District of New Hampshire, and Chief Kevin Morrow of the Meredith Police Department, today announced the capture of fugitive Brian Berlo, age 42, last known address of 20 True Road, Meredith NH.

Berlo was wanted by the Meredith Police Department on felony indictments issued for one count of aggravated felonious sexual assault, one count of felonious sexual assault, two counts of child endangerment, and two counts for possession of controlled drugs. The alleged felonious sexual assaults involved two victims, ages 12 and 15. Detective Corporal John Eichhorn and Officer Bart Merrill of the Meredith Police Department began the investigation in October of 2005 based on a report of sexual assault. The Belknap County Grand Jury issued the indictments in July of 2006.

The United States Marshals Service and the NH Joint Fugitive Task Force were asked to join in the search for Mr. Berlo, as he had fled the Meredith NH area. Information developed which indicated that Berlo may be residing in or around Attleboro MA.

Deputy U.S. Marshals from NH’s Joint Fugitive Task Force gathered information and sent several collateral leads to Deputy Marshals from the District of Massachusetts. Deputy Marshals apprehended Berlo today, without incident, at approximately 1:15 PM in Easton MA.

Berlo is being held by the Easton MA Police Department pending a hearing in the Dedham MA District Court as a Fugitive from Justice. Following extradition proceedings, he will be brought to the Belknap NH Superior Court to answer to the felony indictments.

U.S. Marshal Stephen Monier credits the good efforts of the Meredith Police Department for their work on the investigation, and the Deputy U.S. Marshals and the NH Joint Fugitive Task Force for Berlo’s arrest. Monier noted that New Hampshire’s Joint Fugitive Task Force, a U.S. Marshals-led Task Force, is now responsible for over 850 captures in just three years of operation. In addition to federal warrants, the task force assists state and local law enforcement with fugitive cases meeting certain criteria.

“Generally,” Monier noted, “these cases are NH’s Most Wanted, and the Department of Justice gives a very high priority to crimes against children. Brian Berlo’s apprehension shows what can result when the U.S. Marshals work with local and state law enforcement to track fugitives.”