Montgomery County, PA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DECEMBER 9, 2009

 

 

 

Convicted Child Rapist Michael Burke Captured in Mexico after Fleeing Before 2007 Rape Sentencing in Montgomery County Court

 

 

   

 

 

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman, FBI Special Agent Janice K. Fedarcyk and Abington Township Police Chief William J. Kelly announce the apprehension of Michael C. Burke in Mexico on or about December 7, 2009 for Flight to Avoid Punishment and related charges.

 

In November 2004, a thirteen year old student at Abington Junior High School reported to authorities that she and her ten year old sister had been sexually abused by a relative. Abington Township Police Department then contacted Burke who voluntarily admitted to the sexual contact with the girls between January 2002 and November 2004.  Burke was arrested on November 20, 2004 for Rape, Aggravated Indecent Assault and related charges.  Magisterial District Justice John J. Durkin set bail at $100,000 cash which Burke made that same day. 

 

In April 2006 Burke pled guilty to Rape and Aggravated Indecent Assault and his sentencing was deferred.  On May 22, 2007, Burke failed to appear for sentencing and a Bench Warrant was issued.   Immediately thereafter, Montgomery County Detective Bureau charged Burke with Flight to Avoid Punishment and related offenses and sought the assistance of the FBI.  On July 7, 2007 the FBI obtained a Federal Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution warrant and Burke was listed on the FBI’s website as a fugitive.  The FBI investigation indicated that Burke had fled to Mexico and in August of 2008, the FBI requested that Interpol issue an International Red Notice for the apprehension and detention of Burke.  Burke was apprehended by local Mexican authorities who turned him over to Mexican Immigration authorities.  Upon seeing the Interpol Red Notice issued by the FBI, the Mexican Immigration authorities contacted the FBI and Burke was transported to the United States.

 

Burke appeared in Court in Montgomery County on December 10, 2009 to address his original Bench Warrant from the underlying Rape and Aggravated Indecent Assault charges.  He was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility without bail.  The underlying rape sentencing, along with the new criminal charges for fleeing Montgomery County are being handled by Assistant District Attorney Juliet Faulkner.

 

 APPROVED FOR RELEASE:

 

 

 

 Risa Vetri Ferman