DETROIT (WWJ) - Crime Stoppers of Michigan is renewing a call for tips in the case of a dangerous fugitive on the run since 2008.
Federal authorities are involved in the hunt for 41-year-old Corey DeShawn Gaston, who appears on the U.S. Marshals "Top 15 Most Wanted" list for allegedly kidnapping and raping a child.
On June 27, 2007, police say Gaston crawled through a bedroom window of a home on Detroit's west side and abducted a 10-year-old girl. He took her to a nearby ally where he sexually assaulted her, according to investigators, threatening to hurt her if she screamed before instructing her to return home.
Police found Gaston’s phone and unknown DNA at the scene of the crime. Within days of the attack, a warrant was issued for Gaston’s arrest, but he was nowhere to be found.
A U.S. Marshals Task Force tracked Gaston down in Georgia, and returned him to Michigan in July of 2007. A month later, a judge allowed Gaston to post bond until his February 2008 trial. During that time, investigators were able to positively match a DNA sample given by Gaston to the DNA found at the crime scene.
When his trial date came around, police said Gaston didn’t show up, and he has not been seen or heard from since.
Gaston is described as black male, 5'7'' tall and around 170 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair that is balding on top. He ,has scars on his knee and on the right side of his head where staples were removed.
He is said to be pigeon-toed, with a distinctive bowlegged walk. He has an athletic build and has been described as “cut up" and very charismatic.
As for where he might be hiding out, the U.S. Marshals Service said Gaston worked as a truck driver for many years. so he knows the nation’s roads well and could be just about anywhere. Along with the Detroit area, he has known ties to Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio and California.
"Corey Gaston’s alleged acts are a parent’s worst nightmare – breaking into the home of a young girl, kidnapping and sexually assaulting her,” said Geoff Shank, Acting Assistant "Director of Investigative Operations for the U.S. Marshals Service, back in 2011. “The charges against him represent numerous, deplorable acts against a helpless child and her family. We will make every effort to bring him in to answer for these crimes.”
((View Gaton's "Most Wanted" poster))
If you have seen Gaston, or have any information on his whereabouts, you are asked to call 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332), the nearest U.S. Marshals Service or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 1-800-SPEAK-UP (1-800-773-2587). While $1,000 is offered through Crime Stoppers, a reward of up to $25,000 is available through the Marshall's Service for information leading directly to Gaston’s arrest. Submit a tip online at this link.