Kansas City, KS – The U.S. Marshals are offering a
$10,000 reward for information leading to the capture of a dangerous sex
offender who escaped June 30 from a state mental hospital in Kansas.
John Freeman Colt, 42, was sentenced on Dec. 14,
2001, to five years in state prison for aggravated sexual battery,
attempted rape, aggravated burglary, and four counts of aggravated
battery against law enforcement. He was required to register as a sexual
offender for the remainder of his life.
After his criminal sentence was completed, the State of Kansas courts
deemed him a Sexually Violent Predator at high risk to commit a future
sex offense and too dangerous to be released. He was indefinitely
civilly committed and sent to the Larned State Hospital’s Sexual
Predator Treatment Program in 2007, where he has resided until the
escape.
Investigators believe Colt planned his escape several months in advance,
obtaining a replica of a staff ID badge and dress clothes. The morning
of his escape he shaved off his long hair and beard. He put blankets
under his bed covers making it appear he was still in bed sleeping. He
was then able to convince a new staff worker (that he targeted) that he
was in fact a new doctor and needed help finding his way out. Posing as
a doctor, Colt was able to make his way past five secured doors and
ultimately outside the gates.
Several hours passed before staff noticed he was missing and alerted the
Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office. After escaping, Colt received a ride
from a local farmer to the town of Larned. From there he rode to Scott
City on a motorcycle he’d purchased prior to his escape with the help of
an accomplice. While his whereabouts are currently unknown, he may be
traveling or camping in or around state or national parks throughout
Colorado, Missouri, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas or Utah.
“John Colt presents a clear threat to the community every day he is not
in custody,” said U.S. Marshal for the District of Kansas Ronald Miller.
“He has been deemed a sexual predator, and the U.S. Marshals consider
his escape a major case and are devoting all available resources to his
capture.”
Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King said, “It has always been priority one
to keep a clear line of communication, so no information or leads are
lost in the search for the fugitive. We have had a great relationship
with the U.S. Marshals Service, and everyone is working together to
bring this individual back where he is supposed to be.”
Colt
stands 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs approximately 200 pounds, has hazel
eyes and brown hair. He has a tattoo of a heart with the letters BH on
his left arm. He should be considered dangerous. Anyone with information
regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement, the
USMS at 1-877-WANTED2 or send information to the U.S.
Marshals via the USMS Tips app.
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found
at http://www.usmarshals.gov.
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First Federal Law Enforcement Agency