U.S. Marshal Martin J. Pane announced the arrest of Christian Robert Kipp, 32, and formerly of Lehighton, who was wanted for sexually assaulting a child.

On Oct. 13, 2017, the Franklin Township Police Department charged Kipp with three counts of aggravated indecent assault of a child, three counts of indecent assault of person less than 13 years of age, and lesser included offenses. Kipp was released on bail following his arrest.

On July 30 he failed to appear in court and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Carbon County officials learned that Kipp may have fled to the Dominican Republic and requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service.

On Sept. 21, Deputy Marshals from the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Marshals Investigative Operations Division forwarded an international lead to Dominican law enforcement authorities requesting apprehension of Kipp. On Nov. 28, Kipp was arrested in Santo Domingo by Dominican authorities. U.S. Marshals returned Kipp to the United States on Dec. 4. He was turned over to Carbon County authorities, where he awaits further judicial proceedings.

Pane said, “Fugitives facing crimes against children are of the highest priority to the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. The victim and their families deserve a chance to face the accused, and today we have ensured they have that opportunity.”

Carbon County District Attorney Jean A. Engler thanked the U.S. Marshals for its expediency and stated, “Without the involvement of the U.S. Marshals Service, Kipp would have continue to evade justice by hiding in the Dominican Republic. His apprehension was a collaborative effort between the Carbon County District Attorney’s Office and U.S. Marshals Service and resulted in the return of the suspect to face prosecution on serious charges.”

The U.S. Marshals routinely provide assistance, expertise and training regarding international fugitive matters to federal, state and local police agencies. In 2017, the marshals closed 1,251 cases involving fugitives wanted by the United States who fled to a foreign country to avoid prosecution or incarceration.