California fugitive in child molestation case returned from Philippines

Sacramento, CA, United States (4E) – A 49-year-old man wanted for sexual crimes in Sacramento County, California is back Tuesday in the United States after escaping to the Philippines earlier this year.

According to authorities, Scott David Shrum, a fugitive accused of molesting a child, was escorted on his return flight by a Sacramento County sheriff’s detective and a federal officer.

Officials said that in January 2010, detectives investigated a report that Shrum allegedly had inappropriate sexual relationship with a female child who lived for several years in his home, when the victim was between seven and 14 years old.

Investigators issued a warrant for Shrum’s arrest and he turned himself in on August 5, 2010. The suspect was then released after posting bail the following day.

The case advanced through the courts until January of this year when Shrum skipped a court hearing.

According to investigators who are coordinating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Squad and Fugitive Program, Shrum has been found in Cebu, Philippines last February. The court released an arrest warrant for Shrum for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

The Philippine authorities arrested him on October 16 and transported him to Manila for deportation.

He is being held without bail in Sacramento County Jail for charges of unlawful sexual conduct with a child. Shrum is expected in court this Thursday.

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