SEATTLE, Wash. – A high-risk sex offender who was the subject of a manhunt across Saskatchewan and Alberta has been found in Seattle.
Michael Stanley, 48, has been on the run after cutting off his electronic monitoring bracelet in Lloydminster on Oct. 1.
On the evening of Oct. 7, he crossed the border into the United States.
Seattle police and U.S. Marshals located Stanley in downtown Seattle on Thursday.
Police have not arrested Stanley as officials in Canada have not asked to have him extradited although he is wanted Canada-wide on a number of charges.
There is also no indication he has committed any crimes in the United States.
Law enforcement officials on both sides of the border are working to resolve what they call a “very complicated situation.”
Seattle police have ordered Stanley to register immediately as a sex offender in Washington and could arrest him if he fails to do so.
Stanley had been living in Edmonton after serving a 32-month jail term for assault and forcible confinement.
A number of schools in Saskatchewan were locked-down or placed in “hold and secure” after numerous unconfirmed sightings of Stanley after he cut-off his bracelet.
Stanley has a long criminal history of violent and sexual crimes on both sides of the border and has been known to take children from playgrounds.
WATCH: Michael Stanley criminal profile
Last weekend, Alberta Justice announced it would not seek Stanley’s extradition back to Canada because the breach of recognizance, mischief and driving charges he faces north of the border don’t involve violence. View the full Alberta Justice statement below.
The Opposition Wildrose party says the Alberta government should do everything it can to bring a convicted sex offender back to Canada.
Justice critic Shane Saskiw says it’s morally wrong that Justice Minister Jonathan Denis isn’t pursuing extradition of Stanley to face charges he removed his electronic monitoring bracelet.
“This is an individual who has been terrorizing vulnerable Albertans for decades who is now on the loose and Alberta Justice is saying they’re not going to do anything about it,” Saskiw said in a news release.
“I implore Minister Denis to do everything in his power to bring this guy back to Alberta.”
Stanley’s criminal record in Canada dates back to 1987 and has included the sexual assault of children and an elderly woman. He was being monitored by police under a peace bond with conditions, including one ordering him to stay away from children.
Statement from Alberta Justice and Solicitor General:
“The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service did not seek a provisional warrant in the case of Michael Stanley as the charges currently against him do not typically warrant engaging the extradition process.
“Although he has a serious criminal record, Mr. Stanley, a natural born American, is not currently charged with any offenses of violence in Canada. Mr. Stanley was subject to an order issued for the protection of the public because he poses a risk of harm given his previous Canadian criminal history. This order required him to wear an ankle bracelet and is not a criminal charge and cannot ground an extradition. The only charges Mr. Stanley current faces relate to the removing of his bracelet.
“If Michael Stanley returns to Canada, we remain prepared to prosecute him and to ensure that he continues to be subject to an order to protect the public.
“We will continue to cooperate with and assist authorities on both sides of the border to ensure the risk is reduced as much as possible. We thank all of the law enforcement and government agencies involved on both sides of the border for their assistance.”
With files from The Canadian Press
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