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U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation


In Reply, Please Refer to Release No. 2111 West Roosevelt Road
Chicago, Illinois 60608
(312) 829-1199

 

January 5, 2007

VIEWER TIP LEADS TO FUGITIVE ARREST

Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced today the arrest of CHARLES SPAULDING, age 25, whose last known address was on West 33rd Place in Chicago. SPAULDING was arrested earlier today by FBI Special Agents, without incident, at 5244 South Kilbourn in Chicago.

SPAULDING has been the subject of a nationwide manhunt, coordinated by the Chicago FBI, since evading capture and fleeing from the Chicago area in November of last year. SPAULDING was charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, along with 15 other known and suspected members of the Satan's Disciples Street Gang, with numerous violations of federal drug laws.

Information leading to SPAULDING's location and arrest was obtained from a private citizen, who had seen local media stories about the search for him and CELESTE MELENDEZ, a co-defendant in the case. MELENDEZ was arrested in December of 2006 near Orlando, Florida.

A reward of up to $5,000 was previously offered for information leading to the location and arrest of SPAULDING and MELENDEZ.

SPAULDING appeared in U.S. District Court in Chicago, earlier today, at which time he was ordered held without bond, pending his next scheduled court appearance.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

EDITOR's NOTE: Additional copies of the attached reward flyer and the criminal complaint filed in this case are available from the Chicago FBI Press Office at (312) 829-1199.