December 6, 2024 10:15 a.m. 

The U.S. Marshals Service has assisted the Roseburg Police Department in apprehending a fugitive who failed to appear for a court date earlier this year.

RPD Public Information Officer Sergeant Daniel Allen said in May of 2022, a Roseburg man, Jerry Lee Thacker, now age 57, was arrested on charges of rape, sodomy, unlawful sexual penetration and sexual abuse. Allen said the alleged victim was a 13-year-old juvenile female, also a Roseburg resident.

Thacker failed to appear for a trial, resulting in a warrant for his arrest. RPD began an investigation into Thacker’s whereabouts at that time. Allen said using evidence gathered during that effort, investigators came to believe Thacker fled to Knoxville, Tennessee and was living with a family member.

RPD reached out to the U.S. Marshals Service in Oregon and requested assistance in apprehending Thacker. They agreed to take the case, and within a short period of time, located Thacker and served the warrant by taking Thacker into custody in Knoxville, Tennessee. Allen said Thacker was lodged at the Knox County Jail in Tennessee pending extradition.

Allen said RPD is very appreciative for the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service in this case.