Deputies capture longtime fugitive wanted in rape of 5-year-old
A Canadian national wanted in his home country since 1980 for allegedly raping a 5-year-old child with cerebral palsy was captured this week in Los Angeles County.
Raymond Douglas MacLeod, 71, was taken into custody Monday morning by sheriff’s deputies at his home in the 1400 block of Camper View Road in San Dimas, about 28 miles east of Los Angeles.
MacLeod was also booked on suspicion of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Authorities did not release details about his felony convictions.
The longtime fugitive is expected to be deported to Canada because he is in the country illegally, authorities said.
The discovery of MacLeod’s whereabouts and alleged criminal history was made early this year by Deputy Dan Whitten of the sheriff’s Parks Bureau, according to a sheriff’s department statement.
MacLeod was living at the East Shore Recreational Vehicle Park in the San Gabriel Valley area, which is policed by the bureau.
In a 10-month investigation, Whitten learned that MacLeod had been arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1974, the statement said. MacLeod was accused of raping a 5-year-old child with cerebral palsy. While on bail during the trial, MacLeod tried to flee to the United States twice, but was stopped, according to the statement.
MacLeod was eventually tried and acquitted, but Canadian authorities, contending the acquittal was the result of an error by the trial judge, filed for an appeal in 1980. An appeals court ordered a new trial.
Authorities, suspect that MacLeod fled to the United States during the appeal proceedings, eventually issued a warrant for MacLeod’s arrest.
After learning of MacLeod’s past, Whitten contacted Canadian authorities, who immediately started the extradition process. But because it would have taken a long time, Whitten notified the U.S. Marshals Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement of his immigration status and background, which led to his detention and pending deportation.
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