In Williamson County, Texas, local law enforcement and the District Attorney's Office are earnestly seeking the public's assistance in locating a man condemned of sexual assault but are currently missing. Following his conviction in November, 44-year-old Augustine Dafe Ikolo was slated to appear before the courts for his sentencing this past Thursday, per reports from FOX7 Austin. However, the confessed felon did not show up, setting off a warrant for his arrest.
Ikolo, after the conviction, potentially faced up to fully serve a 20-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000 for sexually assaulting a woman he initially contacted through a dating app. Despite the weight of the crime and Ikolo's prior federal conviction for falsifying visas and other identifying documents, Retired Judge Rick Kennon controversially elected to release Ikolo on a $75,000 bond over the prosecution's objections.
The decision to grant Ikolo bond has emerged as a sore point, sparking indignation from Williamson County's top prosecutor. "This decision by the visiting judge has put the public at risk and denied justice to the victim," District Attorney Shawn Dick publicly expressed. He labeled Ikolo as "a dangerous predator who should have been detained so he did not have the opportunity to flee," as relayed in statements obtained by KXAN.
Lamenting the missed opportunity to immediately secure Ikolo post-conviction, the district attorney underscored the urgency of the situation. "We will do everything in our power to bring him back and make him face the consequences of his crime," Dick insisted. He implores anyone who chances to see Ikolo to promptly call 911. Meanwhile, those with potential leads on his whereabouts are encouraged to provide information anonymously to the Williamson County Crime Stoppers, either online or by calling 1-800-253-7867.
