Accused Child Predators Caught
Thanks to “Oprah” Television Viewers

10/19/05

Talk about a great new initiative: on October 4, Oprah Winfrey began to feature selected accused sexual predators on her television show and to post their faces and information on her website—creating a flurry of calls to FBI field offices and immediately snaring two fugitives in the first week.

One of them, Niles Scott, was spotted by viewers in the Central American country of Belize.

“We knew she had a worldwide audience, but this was fast,” said Chris Swecker, our assistant director for the Criminal Investigative Division. “This is the kind of collaboration that we love to foster with our friends in the media and the entertainment industries. And it shows how critical a diligent public is to our success.”

Oprah brings passion and an incredible amount of heart to the program. On her October 11 show, which announced the arrests of Niles Scott in Belize and William C. Davis in North Dakota, she recalled her personal history of abuse and called on viewers to understand the profile of sexual predators so they could defend their children against them.

“They act like very nice people,” she said. “They are nice because they want to gain your trust and get close to your children.”

We at the FBI couldn’t agree more. With Oprah, we urge you to be watchful and to take precautions when adults show interest in your children. And we urge you to take a close look at the predators featured on Oprah’s Child Predator Watch List.

Finally we’d like to go on record with our appreciation to Oprah for her wonderful efforts to protect children. On behalf of the men and women of the FBI, thank you!

Note: The individuals pictured or identified here may have been apprehended or may no longer be wanted by law enforcement since the above information was posted on this website. Please check our Wanted by the FBI website or contact your local FBI office for up-to-date information.