Portland, ME – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Maine
Violent Offender Task Force (MVOTF), announces the arrest of Michael J.
Bernard, 26, of Auburn, ME. Bernard was being sought by Michigan
authorities for sex crimes involving a victim under the age of 13.
The United States Marshals Service, Eastern District of Michigan Detroit
Fugitive Apprehension Team (DFAT) requested the assistance from the USMS
MVOTF in locating and apprehending Bernard. Bernard was wanted by the
12th District Court in Jackson County, Michigan for Criminal Sexual
Conduct in the 1st Degree-person under 13.
According to investigators, Bernard was alleged to have met the victim
through an internet site and began an online relationship that lasted
over several months. Bernard is further alleged to have traveled to
Michigan from Maine to meet the victim and engaged in sexual activity,
before returning back to Maine.
MVOTF investigators developed information on Bernard’s whereabouts,
which led authorities to a docking port in Harpswell, ME. Task Force
personnel were able to apprehend Bernard as he departed a lobster boat
this afternoon without incident. Bernard is charged as a Fugitive from
Justice and will be arraigned in Maine pending his extradition back to
Michigan to answer to the original charge.
The USMS Maine Violent Offender Task Force was assisted by the USMS
Eastern District of Michigan Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team, Coast
Guard Investigative Services, Lewiston Police Department, and Maine
Marine Patrol.
The U.S. Marshals Service Maine Violent Offender Task Force is comprised
of members of the U.S Marshals Service, Maine State Police, Maine
Department of Corrections, Biddeford Police Department, and U.S. Customs
and Border Patrol.
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found
at http://www.usmarshals.gov.
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