Believing a Centreville man took it on the lam, rather than face the music in court, authorities have issued a new warrant for his arrest — and they’re asking the public’s help in finding him.
This spring, Fairfax County police charged John E. Hamilton, 37, with six felonies involving sexual crimes against children. He’s a former youth sports coach and the alleged incidents happened several years ago. Following his arrest, Hamilton, of 14120 Gabrielle Way in Centre Ridge, was initially held without bond. However, he was later released from jail on $32,000 bond.
On Aug. 17, the grand jury indicted him on all six counts, and he was slated to enter his pleas to them, Oct. 7, in Circuit Court at 10 a.m. However, when he failed to appear after a half hour, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Ian Rodway asked Judge Randy Bellows to issue an expedited bench warrant for Hamilton’s arrest.
"I’d heard that, since his arrest, he made a half-hearted attempt to do himself in," said Rodway. "So the commonwealth is concerned that, A., he may try to flee, or B., he may try to do himself in."
Bellows agreed and issued the bench warrant. He also recommended that, when Hamilton is found and re-arrested, he be held without bond. Nationwide extradition has also been authorized.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Crime solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text "TIP187" plus a message to CRIMES/274637. Or call Det. J. Hinson at 703-246-7523 or police at 703-691-2131.
<1b>— Bonnie Hobbs