American Fugitive Nabbed In Chon Buri

[lee68]

A good friend of mine teaches in Bangkok at a private school and told my they very rarely do any background checks on there teachers.Very scary that!

Do these Thai schools not do background checks... who knows what sick twisted Paedo's are teaching our children in the various schools in Thailand You can be sure he is not the only one..... DISGRACEFUL.

[crusader79]

As someone commented on the site: "Interesting to note his passport was issued/renewed on March 31, 2011."

Perhaps that's how they figured where he was?

But aren't they supposed to pounce on someone before issuing a new passport?

I mean by now he could have skipped to Mexico or Costa Rica or somewhere.

It's just lucky for them that he chose to stay where they all seem to stay ...........here in LOS

I'm no expert, but I doubt they do much if any immediate checking when a passport is renewed, it's likely strictly an issuing process. It takes just two weeks or less, and that time is needed to get the application materials to the U.S., check for legitimacy, enter the information into the database, issue the passport, and send it back. Until the Patriot Act was passed post-9-11 the new passport was actually issued by the local embassy or consulate, on the same day.

The new procedure of sending the applications to the U.S. is designed to quickly centralize the data so Homeland Security can immediately screen for potential terrorists. That's probably (hopefully!) the only immediate check done. After that the information is probably (again, hopefully!) passed along for checking against criminal (and perhaps one day tax) databases, but the wheels of such an enormous bureaucracy as the U.S. government must turn very slowly. And in this case the charges were state, not federal, so coordination might have been even slower or more limited.

But that he renewed his passport just three months ago is suggestive, perhaps that is what eventually alerted the federal and state authorities and prompted the request to Thailand.

Edited June 29, 2011 by crusader79

[Beetlejuice]

I wonder why the major police forces of the world don`t just move their operations to Thailand and set up offices in Pattaya and Bangkok ?

Because sooner or later most of these foreign criminals turn up here anyway.

[housepainter]

36 years.

He came to Thailand because he should have done so in the first place. That way he'd never have been caught; would have found helpful Thai people to procure his boys for him; made friends with local police who would have provided safety for him should anyone ever complain that their child came home with his arse hanging out unable to walk; and been able to visit the States whenever he desired.

I don't know why he didn't do it that way round like those guys have. You know the ones; running around everywhere with a young boy on their motorcy, taking him back to the condo for some anal massage.

It's strange why there's such outrage only when they are caught but they remain unchallenged even when they are ferrying the rented, bribed and unwilling children to their homes under our very eyes.

The Land od Smiles and Piles. A haven for the peds.

[geriatrickid]

There's a photo of the information page of his passport if you follow the Pataya One link. His passport was issued 31 March 2011. I would imagine this date is later than his indictment, when he received bail, or even conviction date. This seems strange.

I Googled his full name and combinations and apart from the report of his arrest in Thailand, there's nothing about his conviction in the States. I would have thought a conviction as serious as this would have been publicized somewhere on the Internet.

That is quite amazing isn't it?

I would have thought that such a security conscious country like USA would have had state-of-the-art technology to alert the passport authorities of any significant infringements on a persons record and background before issuing a new one or a replacement?

Yep me too! Half a million dollars set bail and this guy already knows he is out of country leaving his money behind. All I can think is he has one hell of a lawyer

He may have only put 10% down. The US has a thriving bail bond industry. The family members that most likely posted bail lose their "deposit" and the bail bond company has to seek recovery against the accused or seek a release of the forfeited bail from the court. Although no indication of a bail bond company, the involvement of the Thais, may allow the bail bond company to recover forfeited bail if they argue the Thais captured the fellow as opposed to US Marshals. The Thais get paid a recovery fee from the bail bond company.

[elektrified]

There is no way that his passport could be genuine. The U.S. would never make a mistake like that would they? I mean the guy was a convicted felon with a 36 year sentence who skipped bail. He would have to have been on every list in every agency in the U.S.

[crusader79]

There is no way that his passport could be genuine. The U.S. would never make a mistake like that would they? I mean the guy was a convicted felon with a 36 year sentence who skipped bail. He would have to have been on every list in every agency in the U.S.

"If found guilty, he could face jail terms of up to 36 years."

[smiles793]

I must say i'm astonished and disgusted by the ant-Thai racism expressed here by many of the posters. The issue isn't Thai schools doing background checks, it's US administrative incompetence in letting known offenders out of the US.

[balo]

I must say i'm astonished and disgusted by the ant-Thai racism expressed here by many of the posters. The issue isn't Thai schools doing background checks, it's US administrative incompetence in letting known offenders out of the US.

If he is found guilty he can face 36 years in prison . This man has not been convicted yet I believe.

[Loaded]

I must say i'm astonished and disgusted by the ant-Thai racism expressed here by many of the posters. The issue isn't Thai schools doing background checks, it's US administrative incompetence in letting known offenders out of the US.

If he is found guilty he can face 36 years in prison . This man has not been convicted yet I believe.

Pattaya One News from post #2:

"Police Colonel Choosak, announced the arrest of Mr. Dennis Gale Catron aged 60 on Wednesday Afternoon and stated he is wanted by a Court in Illinois after being convicted of two counts of sexual assault of a minor and sentenced “in absentia” to 36 years in Prison."

[garyk]

I'm an american living most of the time here. And I am glad that POS is off the streets and gone from Thailand.

And when in jail back in the states. He will wish he was never born. That is what they do to sex offenders in America.

[BOS2BKK]

There's a photo of the information page of his passport if you follow the Pataya One link. His passport was issued 31 March 2011. I would imagine this date is later than his indictment, when he received bail, or even conviction date. This seems strange.

I Googled his full name and combinations and apart from the report of his arrest in Thailand, there's nothing about his conviction in the States. I would have thought a conviction as serious as this would have been publicized somewhere on the Internet.

Living in Thailand for a while, but he can't get around his passport expiring. I am sure that is how they nailed him, when he renewed his passport.

[dddave]

There's a photo of the information page of his passport if you follow the Pataya One link. His passport was issued 31 March 2011. I would imagine this date is later than his indictment, when he received bail, or even conviction date. This seems strange.

I Googled his full name and combinations and apart from the report of his arrest in Thailand, there's nothing about his conviction in the States. I would have thought a conviction as serious as this would have been publicized somewhere on the Internet.

That is quite amazing isn't it?

I would have thought that such a security conscious country like USA would have had state-of-the-art technology to alert the passport authorities of any significant infringements on a persons record and background before issuing a new one or a replacement?

The judicial system in the US is incredibly fragmented. Most criminal cases are handled by county or state courts and there is no single computer system or standard and certainly, no central database. It would be almost impossible for an Embassy to check every passport. The only unified list that by law the embassy must check is the child support delinquency list.

[BigJohnnyBKK]

I wonder why the major police forces of the world don`t just move their operations to Thailand and set up offices in Pattaya and Bangkok ?

Because sooner or later most of these foreign criminals turn up here anyway.

Many do. There are active task forces here from the US, Australia and the UK that I know of, focused on paedophilia issues, plus the DEA's been here for decades, and all the other 3-letter agencies keep their eyes open and help catch their bad guys when it won't interfere with their primary mission.

The fact that this activity's been stepping up is IMO the reason why such arrests have been increasing over the years.

The local BiBs don't do much more than stamp the paperwork, it's the farang boots on the ground that get stuff done. And good on 'em.

The guy that posted the comment that it isn't really rape just because it's a minor? Get a clue dude, what if it was your kid. And I don't care even if the victim's an active sex worker, don't do the crime if you're not willing to serve the time.

BTW guys under Thai law it's 20 for commercial sex isn't it? Could be expensive - if you're not sure and they don't have their ID card, walk away. . .

[FrancisTenta]

This is probably because of his passport reniewal he got caught. One thing I think is sad and no one is expressing it on this post is: How many other children he abused in Thailand? I do hope he had a light of sense while in Thailand and stopped raping young kids.

Bad is already done and I hope he is going to go in an american jail. Old peado do not live pretty long there...

[taxout]

According to the US Justice Department, if a US court jurisdiction wants to restrict issuance or renewal of a passport due to an outstanding felony warrant or such, the local jurisdiction must specially notify the State Department:

"Many times a sex offender's passport is surrendered—or their international travel is restricted—as part of bond or sentencing in their case. However, that sex offender will still be able to obtain another passport, unless law enforcement takes additional steps. . . . To request that a future passport application or request for a passport renewal be denied, or that a passport previously issued be revoked or limited, law enforcement must take the following actions: (1) Make the request in writing, on department letterhead . . . ."

http://www.ojp.usdoj..._fact_sheet.pdf

That is, Illinois had the responsibility to notify the State Department not to renew this passport.

[Tcharles955]

NO THAI SCHOOLS DO BACKGROUND CHECKS. NOT ONE!

maybe international schools but no thai schools or universities!

[Heng]

There's a photo of the information page of his passport if you follow the Pataya One link. His passport was issued 31 March 2011. I would imagine this date is later than his indictment, when he received bail, or even conviction date. This seems strange.

I Googled his full name and combinations and apart from the report of his arrest in Thailand, there's nothing about his conviction in the States. I would have thought a conviction as serious as this would have been publicized somewhere on the Internet.

Living in Thailand for a while, but he can't get around his passport expiring. I am sure that is how they nailed him, when he renewed his passport.

The techies at CAT and 3BB have long since discovered a sideline business providing tips to the BIB. Like intellectual property... right to privacy isn't exactly cut into stone here. One good thing going for the criminals is that the BIB don't pay very well, usually just in terms of favors (getting out of traffic tickets is a common one). Supposedly it's an endless supply of folks breaking the law online, it's almost like a fish farm.... they just wait for folks to grow big enough (or wait for one that is wanted enough) and they get scooped up.

[commonparlance]

It does seem strange that a man with warrants out for his arrest was able to get a passport and leave the country, but it's possible that he got the passport just before any formal charges were filed. Perhaps he became aware that the police were on to him, and immediately applied for an expedited passport as he made preparations to leave the country. Since the article doesn't give any specifics as to when the warrants were issued or when he posted bail, etc. we don't really know.

OR it's not inconceivable that he managed to get the passport even after his arrest. The US is security conscious but it is also a big, decentralized country, and often the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is up to. Judicial matters are handled at the state, county, or municipal level unless a federal crime is committed, and as the article says, he's wanted by the state of Illinois, not the federal government. Passports on the other hand are issued by the US Department of State (federal), so it's possible that something slipped through the cracks, especially if the warrants were very recently issued. Scary, but that's the way it is....

[FrancisTenta]

One more time, it is us, honnest expats, who looks stupid. I have a diner with a kindergarten director as soon as I am back at the beginning of August. Probably I am going to be checked and it is gonna take some time before I get hired.

[Jingthing]

36 years.

He came to Thailand because he should have done so in the first place. That way he'd never have been caught; would have found helpful Thai people to procure his boys for him; made friends with local police who would have provided safety for him should anyone ever complain that their child came home with his arse hanging out unable to walk; and been able to visit the States whenever he desired.

I don't know why he didn't do it that way round like those guys have. You know the ones; running around everywhere with a young boy on their motorcy, taking him back to the condo for some anal massage.

It's strange why there's such outrage only when they are caught but they remain unchallenged even when they are ferrying the rented, bribed and unwilling children to their homes under our very eyes.

The Land od Smiles and Piles. A haven for the peds.

Girls too.

Globally, the vast majority of pedophile crimes are men victimizing GIRLS.

What are you suggesting exactly? That every time you see a foreigner with a Thai child we're supposed to confront them and call the authorities? Sure, there may be times when it is very obvious that something is fishy, but you do realize most times you see that the foreigner is their DADDY or legitimate family friend? OK, the Daddy himself may be a sex criminal but how would you know that just from seeing them on the street?

Edited June 29, 2011 by Jingthing

[Jimjim]

Never understood why these chaps are living in a country that is friendly to the US. They probably feel that they simply go on abusing children here. On the other hand who lets a child rapist out on bail?

Exactly, I don't understand getting let out on bail on such serious charges.

[hgma]

CHARGES.serious charges!!

not 1 reply on this matter......charges, not convicted in a court of law yet.

vigilante culture is brewing here.

American Teacher wanted in USA on child sexual abuse charges, arrested by Pattaya Immigration

Chonburi Immigration based in Jomtien has announced the arrest of an American Teacher wanted in USA for sexual offences involving children under the age of 12. Police Colonel Choosak, announced the arrest of Mr. Dennis Gale Catron aged 60 on Wednesday Afternoon and stated he is wanted by a Court in Illinois after being convicted of two counts of sexual assault of a minor and sentenced “in absentia” to 36 years in Prison. It is believed that during the court proceedings, the school teacher had paid 500,000 US Dollars Bail and then fled to Thailand where he has worked in a number of Universities and other education facilities over the years. Police confirmed there were no reported incidents relating to Mr. Catron here in Thailand.

Full story and pictures HERE

-- Pattaya One 2011-06-29

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[cdnski12]

He ran out on a $500,000 USD Court Bond? I'm surprised "The Dog & Family" didn't track him down for the reward and a beach holiday in Thailand?

[webfact]

Alleged American pedophile arrested

CHON BURI: -- An American teacher subject to an outstanding arrest warrant in the United States for alleged sexual abuse and rape cases involving boys under the age of 12 has been arrested in Nonthaburi's Pakkret district, according to the Chon Buri immigration police chief.

Pol Col Chusak Panasamporn announced the arrest of Dennis Gale Catron, 60, who is wanted by a court in Illinois after being convicted of two counts of sexual assault of a minor. The two criminal offences have a combined prison sentence of 36 years.

Mr Catron reportedly paid US$500,000 bail in Illinois before jumping bail and fleeing to Thailand where he has worked in a number of education institutes and colleges.

The arrest was conducted as a result of collaboration between the Royal Thai police and the US embassy in Thailand, which asked for the cooperation of the Thai immigration police in locating Mr Catron.

Col Chusak said Mr Catron came to Thailand several months ago, hiding in his residence in Muang Thong Thani area in Nonthaburi's Pakkret district and in Soi Boekeow in central Pattaya, Chon Buri.

Mr Catron admitted that he was the person who is wanted under the arrest warrants. His Thai visa has now been revoked and he has been sent to the US embassy pending deportation to stand trial. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-06-30

[newermonkey]

I am fedup hearing the typical coments such as "pedos are the scum of the earth and hang-em comments" reason being people dont know the full surcumstances of these cases. There is a very thin line between natural human attraction and a genuine feeling for kids (parental instincts) and just tipping over the line into touching and wanting to hug the kid etc... I would say that a lot of pedos fall into this catagory and their common scence goes out the window when these natural emotions take over. Of course when a man actually forces a young kid under 12 into full on intercourse this is wrong and has to be policed but there is that thin line we must be very careful about. There are thousands of wrongful imprisonments around the world because of this wrongful assessment and we should keep a level head and not brand ever single male who has feelings and is attracted to kids. When the posters of these over reactionary comments know the facts for sure and there has been a heinous crime committed then let the comments roll in by all means.

[BigJohnson]

It is obvious that this pervert had some resources back in the States; he would have had to come up with $50,000 dollars for a bail bond to get out. He would have had no problem getting a passport as long as he did not have any outstanding warrants, or the court did not specifically submit an order that prohibits it. Unfortunately, child molesters in the U.S. are kept separate from the general jail population so they won't be harmed. It is sickening to think that these predators are more protected than their innocent victims. I say "kill 'em all and let god sort it out!"

Take comfort my friend:

http://en.wikipedia....ki/John_Geoghan

Thanks hyku1147! The link made my day!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On another note...there is a lot of speculation on how a a molester could get a passport. Passports are under federal jurisdiction, not the state and the U.S. justice system is so backed up that a year or more could go by before the information on a criminal is entered into the national system.

It is sad that most molestation cases will never make it to trial because the D.A. usually cuts a deal with them; which means most of them will be back out on the streets again free to molest and rape. Despicably, many cases are dropped or never filed because the D.A. does not want to deal with it; the U.S. justice system is based solely on how many convictions the D.A. can win to boost their career; if there is a chance they might lose (which looks bad on their ladder climbing resume) they often will not prosecute. This is not my opinion, it is fact and first hand knowledge!

By the way, if anyone has knowledge or suspects that a child is being abused and does not say anything, they are as guilty as the abuser. It is our duty as human beings to keep those who can not fight for themselves safe. I am NOT suggesting that people take the law into their own hands or become vigilantes due to the fact that there are many people that have been falsely accused of pedophilia (which I believe the false accuser should be locked up for life for such a heinous lie); just don't hide your heads in the sand.

Quick note on the passports...they are issued by the State Department which is under federal jurisdiction.

Edited June 30, 2011 by BigJohnson

[featography]

It is obvious that this pervert had some resources back in the States; he would have had to come up with $50,000 dollars for a bail bond to get out. He would have had no problem getting a passport as long as he did not have any outstanding warrants, or the court did not specifically submit an order that prohibits it. Unfortunately, child molesters in the U.S. are kept separate from the general jail population so they won't be harmed. It is sickening to think that these predators are more protected than their innocent victims. I say "kill 'em all and let god sort it out!"

Take comfort my friend:

http://en.wikipedia....ki/John_Geoghan

Thanks hyku1147! The link made my day!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On another note...there is a lot of speculation on how a a molester could get a passport. Passports are under federal jurisdiction, not the state and the U.S. justice system is so backed up that a year or more could go by before the information on a criminal is entered into the national system.

It is sad that most molestation cases will never make it to trial because the D.A. usually cuts a deal with them; which means most of them will be back out on the streets again free to molest and rape. Despicably, many cases are dropped or never filed because the D.A. does not want to deal with it; the U.S. justice system is based solely on how many convictions the D.A. can win to boost their career; if there is a chance they might lose (which looks bad on their ladder climbing resume) they often will not prosecute. This is not my opinion, it is fact and first hand knowledge!

By the way, if anyone has knowledge or suspects that a child is being abused and does not say anything, they are as guilty as the abuser. It is our duty as human beings to keep those who can not fight for themselves safe. I am NOT suggesting that people take the law into their own hands or become vigilantes due to the fact that there are many people that have been falsely accused of pedophilia (which I believe the false accuser should be locked up for life for such a heinous lie); just don't hide your heads in the sand.

Quick note on the passports...they are issued by the State Department which is under federal jurisdiction.

As Cheech and Chong once said, "BAILIF, wack off his pee pee"

[newermonkey]

I am fedup hearing the typical coments such as "pedos are the scum of the earth and hang-em comments" reason being people dont know the full surcumstances of these cases. There is a very thin line between natural human attraction and a genuine feeling for kids (parental instincts) and just tipping over the line into touching and wanting to hug the kid etc... I would say that a lot of pedos fall into this catagory and their common scence goes out the window when these natural emotions take over. Of course when a man actually forces a young kid under 12 into full on intercourse this is wrong and has to be policed but there is that thin line we must be very careful about. There are thousands of wrongful imprisonments around the world because of this wrongful assessment and we should keep a level head and not brand ever single male who has feelings and is attracted to kids. When the posters of these over reactionary comments know the facts for sure and there has been a heinous crime committed then let the comments roll in by all means.

There is an easy answer to to your problem. It is called degrees of assault. If you touch a child inappropriately, then you are ill, you have committed a lesser sexual assault and you need to be put in a prison where you can receive treatment.

You sir, share a minority opinion that has been allowed to go unchallenged due to rampant political correctness. The extreme example being Denmark in the late 60s-early 70s.

I further challenge you sir. If I was to start groping women I would be guilty of sexual assault-despite convincing myself that I was only looking for warmth and companionship. This crime is treated as a huge warning sign by the justice system, and frequently results in the incarceration of the offender. In addition, I put to you that you would not speak up for these gropers because it is a crime against women, and no politically correct individual would risk raising the ire of his contemporaries.

Why do you defend kiddie fiddlers, but disparage their critics?

You are correct, but all I am saying is people tend to get over excited regarding this subject. I don't have a problem and don't need any "answers" We just have to make sure someone is actually guilty of a crime before we jump up and down. I don't think hugging a child is wrong in the right circumstances, on the other hand groping the kids genitalia or private parts is wrong. lets make sure we all understand the difference.

[ginjag]

I am fedup hearing the typical coments such as "pedos are the scum of the earth and hang-em comments" reason being people dont know the full surcumstances of these cases. There is a very thin line between natural human attraction and a genuine feeling for kids (parental instincts) and just tipping over the line into touching and wanting to hug the kid etc... I would say that a lot of pedos fall into this catagory and their common scence goes out the window when these natural emotions take over. Of course when a man actually forces a young kid under 12 into full on intercourse this is wrong and has to be policed but there is that thin line we must be very careful about. There are thousands of wrongful imprisonments around the world because of this wrongful assessment and we should keep a level head and not brand ever single male who has feelings and is attracted to kids. When the posters of these over reactionary comments know the facts for sure and there has been a heinous crime committed then let the comments roll in by all means.

In this day and age parents are wary of touching their own in case someone suspects. I'm afraid it is coming to that. If ever I am =example on the beach and am approached by a youngster, instead of speaking, or even smiling, I am inclined to turn away.

The natural thing normally would be to say hello, etc. but in this new world it's a no no. If you are with a wife/gf it is not looked upon as (odd) even a single lady no one would suspect a thing. On the other hand a single man is regarded as a suspect.

It is a pity that a smile or a nice word is sometimes classed as wrong. There are single people who never had a family do look sometimes at a youngster and wish he/she was theirs.

ON TOPIC. if you find a child attractive look but do NOT touch. For all the pedos out there who intend to interfere or even interfere the sooner you are stopped the better. To my mind it's an incurable state of mind-some form of containment to me is the only remedy.