Wanted Predator

January 08, 2009


Contact:
Supervisor Deputy U.S. Marshal Steve Jurman

San Diego Fugitive Task Force (619) 557-7111;

Public Affairs Officer Toni M. Wheetley (619) 571-2498;

USMS Headquarters Public Affairs (202) 307-9065

U.S. MARSHALS ASK FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IN THE MANHUNT FOR 15 MOST WANTED FUGITIVE AND ALLEGED SEXUAL PREDATOR FREDERICK McLEAN

WASHINGTON – U.S. Marshals in Southern California are more determined than ever to bring Frederick McLean to justice. McLean, an alleged sexual predator, is on the run and U.S. Marshals believe his crimes are so heinous they earned him a spot on the Marshals’ 15 Most Wanted fugitive list in 2006.

“This fugitive has evaded capture for nearly three years, but he needs to know that we will never cease our efforts of hunting him down,” said George W. Venables, United States Marshal for the Southern District of California. “We are absolutely resolute in our commitment to bringing in Frederick McLean to face the charges brought against him.”

The San Diego Fugitive Task Force recently executed a search warrant and obtained new leads and updated photos on Frederick McLean.

Fugitive Frederick McLean, 57, is wanted on multiple counts of sexual assault on a child, but according to Supervisor Deputy U.S. Marshal Steve Jurman of the San Diego Fugitive Task Force, “multiple counts” is an understatement. Jurman explained, one alleged victim, now an adult, reported McLean assaulted her more than 100 times, starting when she was five and ending about seven years later.

“We believe McLean’s abusive acts against young victims span over a 20-year period, and are likely to continue until he is caught,” Jurman said. “It is imperative that predators like this be taken off the streets. Public assistance is one of law enforcements greatest assets and is essential to locating McLean.”

An arrest warrant was issued January 20, 2005, for McLean, but authorities believe he sensed his days of freedom were numbered almost six months prior.

In May 2004, family members confronted McLean regarding a young female victim’s allegations of molestation. McLean admitted they were true, and the victim’s family decided to call Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. After the confrontation, McLean’s wife and children left him.

He began liquidating financial assets and he signed divorce papers. In September 2004, McLean’s father-in-law woke up one morning to find McLean’s truck in his driveway. Inside the truck were McLean’s cell phone, letters for the family, and instructions on how to sell the vehicle. It was evident from his actions that he believed criminal charges against him were looming.

“Honoring the victims by arresting violent fugitives like McLean and making our streets safer is the main concern of the U.S. Marshals,” said Marshal Venables.

McLean is a 57-year-old white male who weighs 170 pounds and is 5 feet, 11 inches tall. He has brown/gray hair and hazel eyes. He is an auto mechanic by trade and once owned a race-car restoration business, specializing in racing cars from the 1960s and 1970s.

McLean is also an experienced outdoorsman and may frequent camping areas. McLean’s character traits include: being financially frugal, meticulous, organized, and probably pays by cash.

Investigators believe McLean may have assumed a new identity and could be using an alias name.

Authorities caution citizens to consider McLean armed and dangerous, and possibly suicidal.

There is a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of McLean, and all inquiries remain confidential.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact their nearest U.S. Marshals Service office, or call the Marshals’ 24-hour phone line at 1-800-336-0102.

U.S. Marshals are the nation’s primary fugitive hunting organization. Fugitive Task Forces lead by the U.S. Marshals capture thousands of fugitives each year. For more information on the U.S. Marshals and 15 Most Wanted Fugitive Frederick McLean, go to http://www.usmarshals.gov/.