Fugitive Accused Of Sexually Abusing 14-Year-Old Arrested After 21 Years On The Run

A Minnesota fugitive charged with having sex with an underage girl was apprehended in Mexico Wednesday, 21 years after he fled following his arrest.

Curtis Lee Brovold, now 67, was arrested by FBI agents and Mexican immigration authorities outside his home in Cancun Wednesday without incident, according to a statement released by the FBI.

Brovold was accused of having sex with an unnamed 14-year-old Minnesota girl, whom he met online in February 2000.

Investigators said Brovold allegedly communicated with the teen for approximately six months, then flew to Moorhead, Minnesota, in July that year and met the girl at a local hotel where they are alleged to have engaged in sex acts.

He was arrested soon after and charged with criminal sexual conduct but was later released on bond.

However, Brovold allegedly fled Minnesota after failing to show up to a court appearance in Clay County in September that year. He was placed on the most wanted page of the FBI's Crimes Against Children unit.

Brovold was charged subsequently with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, and a federal arrest warrant was issued.

“The FBI has two things on its side when working fugitive cases: persistence and a very long memory. Both helped lead us to Curtis Brovold,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Paul said in a statement following the arrest.

Brovold will be flown back to the U.S. and handed over to the custody of Moorhead law enforcement, according to authorities.

“We must never forget that, behind each fugitive case, there is a victim who is denied justice. That is who we are working for and I want to thank everyone involved in catching Mr. Brovold, as they helped bring his victim one step closer to getting the justice she deserves,” Paul added.

Judge Galen Vaa set the bond for Brovold at $250,000 with conditions of release and $400,000 without conditions of release, KVRR reported. Assistant Clay County Attorney Brittany Davila had requested bail to be set at $200,000 with conditions or $400,000 without conditions.

During Friday's court appearance, Davila said Brovold poses “significant public safety and flight concerns.” Hence, if Brovold can post bond, he will have to surrender his passport.

Brovold’s next court appearance in Clay County District Court is set for Feb. 17.