Massachusetts Sex Offender Who Allegedly Hurt Kids Found in Maine

A man on the Massachusetts sex offender registry and wanted for crimes against children has been arrested in Maine.

Where Was He Found?

The Maine Violent Offender Task Force, which is a division of the U.S. Marshals Service, has arrested a Massachusetts sex offender in Maine. John Bastian, 64, of Lynn, Massachusetts was located in the town of Norway and taken into custody without incident.

What Charges Does He Face in Massachusetts?

Bastian was wanted by Massachusetts State Police and the Lynn Police Department on a warrant issued on September 2nd in Lynn District Court. Charges against Bastian include indecent assault and battery on a person with intellectual disability, kidnapping, enticement of a child under 16, and rape of a child with force.

Officials who have been searching for Bastian learned that he was likely staying in Central Maine. Massachusetts Police worked with Maine law enforcement agencies to locate Bastian in Norway and arrest him. In addition to the outstanding warrant, Bastian is charged as a fugitive from justice, pending his extradition back to Massachusetts.

Is Bastian Considered a Dangerous Fugitive by Police?

According to the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry, John Bastian is considered a Level 3 offender. That means that he is considered to have a high risk of re-offending and poses a high degree of danger to the public. The offense listed on the Sex Offender Registry for Bastian is a 1998 conviction for rape and abuse of a child.

Anyone with information about the possible abuse/sex abuse of a minor is urged to contact their local law enforcement agency. And anyone with information about State or Federal fugitives should contact the United States Marshals Service.