Jerold C. Dunning: FBI Fugitive Case Traces From Florida to Possible Flight to Brazil
Wanted in Florida Child Abuse Case
Jerold C. Dunning is wanted for his alleged involvement in lewd activity involving a child under the age of 16 in St. Petersburg, Florida. According to information released by the FBI, the alleged conduct occurred between 1996 and 1998. Dunning was arrested in October 1998 but later disappeared after being released on bond and failed to appear for his scheduled trial.
Alleged Offenses in St. Petersburg
The allegations against Dunning stem from conduct that authorities say occurred in St. Petersburg over a period of approximately two years. He was charged with lewd and lascivious behavior upon a child. The case initially proceeded through Florida’s state court system following his arrest.
Dunning was taken into custody on October 14, 1998, in connection with the allegations. He was subsequently released on bond while awaiting further court proceedings. His case was ultimately scheduled to go to trial the following year.
Failed to Appear for Trial
Dunning’s trial was scheduled for June 29, 1999, but he failed to appear in court. His absence resulted in authorities seeking his arrest and transformed the underlying criminal prosecution into a fugitive investigation. According to the FBI, Dunning has remained wanted since that time.
On the same day as his scheduled trial, the Circuit Court in Pinellas County, Florida, issued a state warrant for his arrest. His continued absence later resulted in federal authorities becoming involved. The FBI continues to seek information that could establish his whereabouts.
Federal Unlawful Flight Case
A federal arrest warrant was subsequently issued for Dunning by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. He was federally charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. The federal case allows authorities to pursue information concerning his movements beyond Florida and potentially outside the United States.
The investigation has now remained unresolved for more than two decades. Information concerning where Dunning traveled after failing to appear in 1999 may still be significant to investigators. Authorities are particularly interested in information that could establish whether he left the United States.
Possible Flight to Brazil
According to the FBI, Dunning may have fled from the United States to Brazil. The possibility that he traveled internationally gives the fugitive investigation a potential cross-border dimension. Individuals who encountered Dunning in Brazil or have information concerning travel there may possess information relevant to authorities.
The FBI has not publicly confirmed Brazil as Dunning’s current location, and his whereabouts remain unresolved. Information concerning travel documents, residences, employment, or associates developed after his disappearance could potentially assist investigators. People with such information are encouraged to report it through official channels.
Ties to Florida and Tennessee
Dunning has known ties to both Florida and Tennessee. His Florida connections are particularly relevant because the original criminal case arose in St. Petersburg and the state arrest warrant was issued in Pinellas County. His Tennessee connections provide another potential geographic area of interest in the longstanding fugitive investigation.
Authorities may be interested in information from individuals who knew Dunning in either state before or after his disappearance. Former acquaintances, coworkers, or others familiar with his activities could possess information about where he went after 1999. Information from years ago can remain relevant when investigators attempt to reconstruct the movements of a longtime fugitive.
Boat-Building Experience
Dunning is known to have experience working with fiberglass used in building boats. This occupational experience could be relevant when attempting to identify employment or communities with which he may have been associated after disappearing. Investigators seeking a fugitive over a long period can use personal and professional background information to help distinguish that person from others.
The FBI has also released information concerning Dunning’s recreational interests. He reportedly enjoys four-wheeling, camping, fishing, and both water and snow skiing. These details may help individuals who encountered him after his disappearance recognize a possible connection.
Additional Information Released by FBI
The FBI reports that Dunning owns several firearms for recreational purposes but reportedly has never been violent. This information is part of the identifying and background material released in connection with the fugitive case. Members of the public should nevertheless avoid attempting to approach or apprehend a wanted individual themselves.
Dunning’s appearance may also have changed substantially since the original investigation because more than two decades have passed. Information concerning his personal history, interests, occupations, and geographic connections may therefore be useful in addition to photographs. Any potential identification should be reported to authorities for verification.
FBI Seeks Information From the Public
Anyone with information concerning Jerold C. Dunning, his current whereabouts, associates, movements, or activities is encouraged to contact the FBI. Information concerning his possible travel to or residence in Brazil, as well as his connections to Florida or Tennessee, may be particularly relevant to the fugitive investigation. Members of the public should not attempt to locate or confront Dunning and should instead provide information directly to appropriate law-enforcement authorities.
