ACCUSED OHIO SEXUAL PREDATOR ON U.S. MARSHALS’ “15 MOST WANTED” LIST CAPTURED IN CALIFORNIA

Washington, DC -- John Dallas Lockhart, wanted on federal and local charges including three counts of rape of a victim under 13, three counts of gross sexual imposition, three counts of pandering obscenity of a minor and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, was captured today, in Venice Beach, Calif., by Deputy U.S. Marshals. Participating in the arrest were Deputy Marshals from the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and the Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force, and police detectives from the City of Akron.

On June 4, 2005, Lockhart was profiled on the television show, “America’s Most Wanted.” Based upon information from AMW tipsters, investigators were lead to the Venice Beach area. Lockhart was arrested without incident at a residence on Club House Drive. Lockhart was living under the alias Dallas Locke and working as a web page designer.

“We are thankful for the media coverage about John Lockhart and the public’s tips which resulted after Saturday night’s profile on FOX’s America’s Most Wanted,” said Benigno Reyna, U.S. Marshal Director. “The media coverage generated the vital information needed to help us capture this dangerous fugitive.”

Lockhart, 36, was wanted since August 2004. After the detective bureau of the Akron Police Department sought help from the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, Marshals joined the national search for the Ohio lawyer. On December 8, 2004, Lockhart was added to the U.S. Marshals’ ”15 Most Wanted” list.

Lockhart fled the state just ahead of charges accusing him of the rape of a four-month-old child.

“The arrest of John Lockhart exemplifies the ability of federal, state, and local law enforcement to work collaboratively on a national level. Our effectiveness was based upon the dedication of all of the officers involved, the support of national and local media, and concerned citizens,” said U.S. Marshal Peter J. Elliott, Northern District of Ohio.

Joining in the recognition of the investigative efforts and determination of the task force officers were City of Akron Chief of Police Michael Matulavich, Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh, and Summit County Sheriff Drew Alexander.

According to Akron Police, about 100 pornographic photos were retrieved from Lockhart’s home/business computer when a software maintenance company was making a routine service call. The computer company immediately contacted Akron police. Investigators believe that Lockhart may have assaulted the infant victim, produced photos of the sex acts, and then stored the images on his computer. During the investigation, authorities learned he allegedly communicated with others who shared a similar interest.