April 16, 2020

Wanted FBI Fugitive Matthew Dietz Captured in Alpena, Michigan

A suspect on the run from police in Charlevoix County is behind bars less then 12 hours after a reward for his capture was announced. Dietz was found at a residence in Alpena, Michigan, following a tip called in by a member of the public

Matthew John Dietz was wanted for criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the town of Charlevoix. In September 19, 2018, he was charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct with a child under 13 and two counts of accosting a child for immoral purposes. Dietz had been a fugitive since that time. On March 18, 2020, a federal warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution was issued. An FBI reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction was announced yesterday, April 15, 2020.

“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.

Media inquiries should be directed to Charlevoix Sheriff Chuck Vondra at vondrac@charlevoixcounty.org or 231-547-4461.

Matthew John Dietz Captured