The salt air of St. Petersburg, Florida, holds a grim memory. Twenty-five years have passed, but the stench of betrayal lingers. Jerold C. Dunning, a man who once blended into the coastal scenery, now exists only as a faded photograph on a wanted poster, a ghost haunting the edges of the law. He’s accused of preying on innocence, of acts so depraved they cling to the humid air like Spanish moss. The details, unearthed from court records, paint a chilling picture of a two-year period in the late nineties where a child’s life was irrevocably altered.
Dunning, 64, vanished back in 1999, a phantom slipping away just before facing justice. He was arrested, released on bond, then simply didn’t show for court. A warrant was issued, the gears of the legal system grinding, but Dunning was already gone, swallowed by the anonymity of the Sunshine State and, potentially, something far beyond. He’s described as a white male, around 5’7”, 170 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. A distinct scar above his left eye is the most identifying mark—a brand of sorts, a permanent etching of a life lived on the periphery. He’s a craftsman, a ship and boat builder, skilled with fiberglass, a man who could seemingly build anything but a life free from the consequences of his actions.
The FBI believes Dunning may have fled the country, potentially seeking refuge in Brazil. A man with his skillset, enjoying outdoor pursuits like four-wheeling, camping, and both water and snow skiing, could blend in anywhere. The fact that he reportedly owns several firearms adds another layer of concern. While authorities state he’s never exhibited violent tendencies, desperation changes men. And a man running from such charges has everything to lose. The Bureau is offering a reward for information leading directly to his arrest, a substantial incentive to break the silence.
This isn’t just a cold case; it’s a wound that continues to fester. A child’s trauma doesn’t diminish with time, and the victim deserves closure. Dunning’s past is a shadow, and that shadow is lengthening with each passing year. He’s a man who traded accountability for escape, a coward hiding from the pain he inflicted.
If you have any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, regarding the whereabouts of Jerold C. Dunning, contact the FBI immediately. Don’t let him disappear into the haze of another country, another life. Justice demands answers. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. The truth is out there, and someone knows where this fugitive is hiding.
🔠Key Facts
| Full Name | Jerold C. Dunning |
| Charges | Unlawful Flight To Avoid Prosecution – Lewd And Lascivious Behavior On A Child; Failure To Appear |
| Aliases | None known |
| Date of Birth | December 7, 1959 |
| Race / Sex | white / Male |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’7″ |
| Weight | 170 lbs |
| Eyes / Hair | brown / brown |
| Scars & Marks | Dunning has a scar above his left eye. |
| Location | Florida |
📋 Source: FBI Most Wanted — Jerold C. Dunning
If you have information about this fugitive, contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov.
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