Following a cross-continental investigation, the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) teamed up with the agency's Office of International Operations (OIO) to arrest 77-year-old Robert John Flynn in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Flynn, facing charges in the United Kingdom for eight counts of indecent assault of a child, had been evading law enforcement since August 2022. The case progressed after USMS OIO developed leads that pointed to Flynn’s presence in the Cleveland area, which enabled NOVFTF to track and apprehend him.
Earlier today, as relayed by a press release from the U.S. Marshals Service, Flynn was located and taken into custody on Turney Rd. in Garfield Heights. The arrest was a joint effort, involving both federal and local law enforcement partners. Accused and charged pursuant to an extradition treaty between the U.S. and the United Kingdom, Flynn now awaits a federal court appearance to address his extradition back to the UK to face his charges.
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott underscored the importance of apprehending sexual predators. "Our mission of tracking, locating and arresting sexual predators is essential to keeping our communities safe. There is no better example than the arrest today. We are proud of the work our of agency and team serving this mission and hope the victim(s) in this case can find solace with our arrest," he stated in the U.S. Marshals Service's communication. Flynn's capture not only marks a significant step toward justice but it also serves as a stark reminder of the reach law enforcement agencies possess in their bid to safeguard the innocent.
The NOVFTF is a coalition of federal, state, and local agencies dedicated to the capture of violent and elusive fugitives. According to the U.S. Marshals release, the task force includes the U.S. Marshals Service, the Cleveland Police Department, and numerous other agencies. These partnerships are vital for cross-jurisdiction efforts and have once again proven effective in the pursuit of those accused of serious crimes. The public can provide anonymous tips concerning wanted fugitives by contacting the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED or submitting a web tip. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward, and their tip could lead to an arrest, further emphasizing the community's role in law enforcement processes.
