CHARLEVOIX COUNTY, Mich. – A fugitive wanted for criminal sexual conduct with a minor has been captured, according to law enforcement authorities.
The FBI and Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Office were searching for Matthew John Dietz. He was charged with two counts of accosting a child for immoral purposes in Charlevoix on Sept. 19, 2019. A federal warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution was issued March 18.
On Wednesday, April 15, the FBI offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction. As a result, he was behind bars less than 12 hours later due to a tip from a member of the public, according to an FBI news release. Dietz was found at a residence in Alpena, mlive.com reported.
“Offenses against children are the worst type of crime that can be committed against members of our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono. “Despite being in the midst of a pandemic, the law enforcement agencies tasked with locating Dietz responded quickly to a viable lead because the severity of Dietz’s alleged offenses required it. We are grateful to the public for its assistance in locating Dietz so quickly. This is a great example of how the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community can work to get dangerous predators off the street.”
The FBI, Michigan State Police Fugitive Team, Huron Undercover Narcotics Team (HUNT) and the Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Department were involved in Dietz’s arrest.