“Praefke, who is 6.3 tall and weighs about 220 pounds, is a redhead with green eyes, has acne marks on his chin and neck and a one-inch scar on his left shoulder blade,” the report describes.
Investigators believe the fugitive is using a false identity. In the past he has been known as James Walter Praefke and James Tait Krueger.
In 2004, Praefke served in Afghanistan with Electronic Strike Squad 133 of the unit EA&B Prowler from the naval station of Whitdbey Island in Washington.
“Upon his return from the mission in February 2005, during a routine inspection by US Customs, a sniffer dog detected explosives in his luggage.”
Praefke, who served as a non-commissioned officer for logistics operations, was court-martialed and convicted of theft of explosives. He received a three-year prison sentence in October 2005.
Now the escaped military man could face eight more years in prison, if found guilty of the desertion and escape charges, the investigators explained.
A hypothesis is also used that places Praefke in the Caribbean.
The authorities are asking for any information that may lead to Praefke. To this end, they enabled the toll-free number 800-543-6289. You can also call 911 with some useful information to capture the alleged deserter, said the Local 10 television channel.
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