An American fugitive from justice for more than 10 years was living in Chilliwack for part of that time, a Canada Border Services agent confirmed Wednesday.
But where he lived in Chilliwack, for how long and what he was doing during that time, CBSA lead investigator CBSA Cindy Lepur wouldn’t say.
“I can’t risk compromising the investigation,” she said, which continues to look into the activities of Steven William Dyer while living in Canada from 2004 to 2011.
Dyer, 44, was convicted in 2002 in an Arizona court on 12 sex-related charges with a minor and one count of sexual indecency with a minor present.
A regular feature on America’s Most Wanted TV show, Dyer faces a minimum prison sentence of 169 years.
He was arrested Tuesday in Montreal.
Lepur confirmed that Dyer bought a house in Chilliwack, but she refused to disclose where the house is located or how long he lived there.
“We believe through our investigation he lived in various locations throughout the Lower Mainland,” she said.
She also said that Dyer, living under an assumed name, was employed during his time in Canada, but again she refused to disclose the nature of his employment.
“It is early in our investigation,” she said. “It’s difficult for us to release that kind of information.”
“We have found out he did his best to blend in as a regular citizen in Canadian society,” she said.
“It’s not for the CBSA to speculate if there are more victims in Canada,” she added, “but if there are those who believe they are victims, or know others who may be victims, to call the local police.”
According to the America’s Most Wanted website, Dyer used his position as a youth sports coach and a Big Brothers volunteer to “groom” victims.
He disappeared four months before a jury convicted him in absentia on all charges.
An anonymous tip led to Dyer’s arrest at the Montreal airport returning from a trip to Venezuela.
Lepur said as lead investigator on the case she is “proud to help make Canada a little bit safer.”
“It demonstrates that Canada will not be a haven for foreign criminals attempting to evade prosecution,” she said.
