For Immediate Release

Scranton, PA – The U.S. Marshals are offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the capture of a Pennsylvania man charged with kidnapping, sexual assault and terroristic threats against a 14-year-old girl in October.

John Vincent Watson, 45, is alleged to have held the girl captive for three days in October, taking her to a Luzerne apartment and two hotels, where the alleged abuse took place.

Oct. 25, Watson left a Plains hotel room, and the victim was able to call 911. She was rescued by Plains Township Police.

“The U.S. Marshals Service and its task force partners seek the public’s assistance in the apprehension of this fugitive to ensure the victim can seek justice,” said U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Martin Pane. “The crimes alleged are extremely severe.”

Watson is a black male, with black hair and brown eyes. He is 6 feet 1 inch and weighs approximately 200 pounds. He should be considered armed and dangerous. He has ties throughout Pennsylvania, as well as Los Angeles.

Anyone with information on Watson’s whereabouts should contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-877-WANTED2 or use the USMS Tips App. Your information will be taken in strict confidence. Your anonymity is guaranteed.

The U.S. Marshals Middle District of Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force mission is to investigate and arrest violent offenders within the counties of Bradford, Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna and Wyoming. Participants include the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Board of Probation & Parole, Pennsylvania State Police, Scranton Police Department, and Wilkes-Barre Police Department.

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

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