American fugitive wanted in sex-crime case nabbed in Cavite

Bureau of Immigration Photo

A 74-year-old American fugitive wanted in the United States over a case involving criminal sexual conduct was arrested by Philippine immigration authorities in Tanza, Cavite.

The Bureau of Immigration said William Joseph Sullivan, 74, was captured during an early morning operation on August 19 in a residential area in Barangay Paradahan I.

Sullivan is wanted in the U.S. for allegedly violating the conditions of his supervised release, stemming from underlying charges involving criminal sexual conduct.

According to the BI, U.S. authorities sought Philippine assistance after the Minnesota Department of Corrections issued a warrant for Sullivan in April 2026.

The arrest was carried out by the BI Fugitive Search Unit in coordination with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service–Overseas Criminal Investigations and the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Child Protection Force Unit.

Immigration records showed Sullivan entered the Philippines earlier this year as a temporary visitor.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado warned that the Philippines would not serve as a hiding place for foreign fugitives, particularly those linked to sexual offenses.

“Our country is not a refuge for fugitives, particularly those accused or convicted of crimes involving the sexual exploitation or abuse of others,” Viado said.

The BI said the operation is also part of its #ShieldKids campaign, which focuses on protecting children and other vulnerable individuals from foreign sexual predators and people who may use the Philippines as a destination for criminal activity.

Sullivan was brought to the BI for booking and documentation and will be detained at the BI Warden’s Facility while authorities process the appropriate immigration proceedings.