A fugitive wanted in Ohio for multiple sex crime charges involving young children has been arrested in Rapides Parish after nearly eight years on the run.
According to initial information, the RPSO Special Victims Unit was following up on a complaint of a domestic violence incident that occurred in the Glenmora area last week. When Patrol Deputies arrived on the initial call, the suspect had already left the area and was unable to be located. The incident was turned over to the Special Victims Unit which investigates crimes of domestic violence
During their follow-up investigation, SVU Detectives picked up on several inconsistencies to the identity of the alleged suspect, then identified as Benjamin Moore.
After suspecting the man they encountered may have been a wanted fugitive, SVU Detectives contacted the United States Marshals Service Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force to share their information.
Through their investigation, and with the assistance of the newly formed RPSO Investigative Support Unit, Detectives were able to positively identify the person as Daniel J. Bohatch, 40, of Ohio. The United States Marshals Service-Western District LA Fugitive Task Force, also assisted in the arrest of Bohatch as he had been on their most wanted list since 2018. Investigators in Ohio allege Bohatch committed the sexual offenses against multiple victims younger than 10 and 13 years old between November 2010 and November 2013.
Statement from Sheriff William R. Niemi, Ashtabula County, Ohio –
“This has been an ongoing case for almost eight years, and we appreciate the efforts from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and everyone involved in the identification and apprehension of Daniel Bohatch,”
Statement from U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott, Norther District of Ohio –
“We have been after this violent sexual predator for many years. I commend the outstanding work by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office to help crack this cold case, the Western District of Louisiana Monroe Fugitive Task Force for their quick response to apprehend this fugitive, and our newly formed US Marshals led SPEAR Unit investigators for their work to locate this violent sexual offender who has been on the run for nearly a decade,” Elliott stated. “This is the second cold case fugitive our SPEAR Unit has arrested this week alone and they will continue to pursue those wanted no matter how long or how far they run.”
Bohatch was taken into custody without incident, arrested and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center where he remains awaiting extradition back to Ohio.
“Through our continued cooperation with our federal partners, a dangerous sexual predator has been taken out of our community and will be returned to Ohio to face justice” said Sheriff Mark Wood. “We are so proud of the efforts of our Special Victims Unit and our Investigative Support Unit for their hard work in identifying and apprehending this suspect. Working together is key to keeping our citizens safe.”
“ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION.”
Arrestee: Daniel J. Bohatch, 40
Ashtabula County Ohio
Charges: Ohio Fugitive warrants
6 counts rape
3 counts of gross sexual imposition
1 count sexual battery