For Immediate Release

Concord, NH - Carroll County Probation & Parole fugitive, Dwayne Blanchette was arrested this morning in Parsonsfield, ME.

The NH Department of Corrections - Probation & Parole Division requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals - NH Joint Fugitive Task Force in locating and arresting fugitive, Dwayne Blanchette. Blanchette was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant for Probation Violations stemming from original convictions and sentences for Burglary, Witness Tampering, Falsifying Physical Evidence and Animal Cruelty.

The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force developed information, which led to a location on Fenderson Road in Parsonsfield, ME. This morning, members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, including members from the U.S. Marshals, Strafford County (NH) Sheriff’s Office and the Maine State Police went to the Fenderson Road address. During the ensuing search of the residence, Blanchette was located hiding in a bedroom closet. Blanchette was taken into custody and initially denied his identity, although he was clearly identifiable by his numerous tattoos. Additional evidence of illicit drug activity was discovered during the search and was turned over to the Maine State Police for further investigation and possible additional charges.

Blanchette was transported and booked into the York County Jail as a Fugitive from Justice pending his extradition hearing on the outstanding probation violation.

Since the inception of the New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force in 2002, these partnerships have resulted in over 4,392 arrests. These arrests have ranged in seriousness from murder, assault, unregistered sex offenders, probation and parole violations and numerous other serious offenses. Nationally the United States Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 85 local fugitive task forces, 7 regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

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