July 12, 2013 - 1:49 PM
VICTORIA - The Provincial Fugitive Return Program (PFRP) - which recently flew its 40th accused - is receiving another $40,000 this year from civil forfeiture proceeds.
The current program - the first of its kind in Canada - took wing in 2011 to return accused back to the specific jurisdiction where they are wanted for serious, violent offences. This provincial approach and ongoing financial support contributed to a 60 per cent increase in the number of fugitives returned in 2012. The program anticipates a further 20 per cent rise this year.
The latest grant brings to $213,000 the provincial investment since 2008 in returning wanted fugitives to face criminal charges elsewhere in Canada. This latest grant will continue to help fund fugitive transport when the jurisdiction that issued the related, outstanding warrants refuses to bear the cost. Among recent passengers are:
* Kimri Arthur Edward Dial, the 40th accused sent back, who was transported from Port Alberni to Edmonton to answer to criminal charges he had evaded since 2007. These charges included aggravated assault, forcible confinement, uttering threats, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and attempt to choke to assist an assault.
* Derek Silva, arrested in April by Ridge Meadows RCMP on outstanding charges in Ontario, including sexual assault, uttering threats, assault and invitation to sexual touching. Silva, whose extensive criminal record dates back to 1996, was identified as a candidate for the PFRP by Port Mann Traffic Services. London Police Services co-operated in his return.
* Justin Michael Pfaff, wanted on outstanding warrants in Alberta related to weapons and stolen property, uttering threats and other allegations. In his first month in Vancouver, Pfaff had a dozen distinct interactions with police, leading to six more charges. BC Transit Police identified Pfaff as a PFRP candidate.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013