Accused pedophile remains elusive
BY JOHN ZICK THE LEADER

BATH - Anthony Kroeger was not in the custody of Chicago police when he missed a court appearance Tuesday, Oct. 16, and the accused pedophile's whereabouts are unknown, authorities said Friday, Oct. 19.

"For everything we know, he's not in custody," Steuben County Assistant District Attorney Brooks Baker said Friday. "It's apparent... he is not in custody."

Early this week, the Steuben County Court Clerk's office received a call purportedly from Chicago police saying Kroeger had been held there in connection with an incident at O'Hare International Airport.

The incident would have explained Kroeger's court absence, but immediately authorities planned for the possibility the call was a ruse. Now, pol ice believe Kroeger was likely never in custody.

However, Baker said a reliable source told authorities Kroeger has recently been in the Chicago area.

Currently, the U.S. Marshal Services, Illinois authorities and the Steuben County Sheriff's Office are investigating Kroeger's disappearance, but there are no guarantees the fugitive is in the country.

"There were no conditions of bail for him to remain anywhere," Baker said. "There are no prohibitions as long as (defendants) return to court."

After missing court Tuesday, a judge revoked Kroeger's $25,000 cash bail and issued a warrant for his arrest.

As it stands, Kroeger's bail will be forfeited and he could be charged with bail jumping, a felony that will add time to any prison sentence received up on conviction.

Kroeger, 47 , o f Prattsburgh, was indicted on 16 felonies related to the sexual exploitation of children.

According to police, he was caught in the act of child in Oct. 2006, and numerous photos and images of children engaged in sexual performances were found at his residence.

Anyone with information on Kroeger's whereabouts should contact the sheriff 's office at 776-7009.

"He'll turn up," Baker said. "They always do."