Congress Members Ask That Bounty Hunter Not Be Extradited To Mexico

DENVER -- A bounty hunter who owns a bail bond business in Colorado faces extradition to Mexico after he was arrested for bringing Max Factor heir and convicted serial rapist Andrew Luster back to the United States.
U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo and 28 other members of Congress recently sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, asking her to deny the extradition of Duane "Dog" Chapman to Mexico.
“Thanks to Mr. Chapman, Luster is now serving a 124-year sentence,” said Tancredo. “It seems that Mexican authorities are pressing this case only because they are so stung by the embarrassment of failing where Mr. Chapman succeeded.”
Chapman left Hawaii for the mainland in February to search for Luster. In 2003, he received a tip regarding the whereabouts of Andrew Luster, who disappeared during his trial for rape. Chapman went to Mexico to act on this tip, and was accompanied by a local Mexican police officer – who he agreed to pay. He was also in communication with U.S. officials, who were aware of his activities, Tancredo said.
While in Mexico, Chapman found Luster and brought him back to the United States. However, since bounty hunting is considered illegal kidnapping under Mexican law, Chapman, two other bounty hunters and two journalists were arrested in June of 2003 on charges of being in Mexico illegally.
Chapman has since returned to the U.S. after posting bail.
Mexico has requested extradition for Chapman to face charges of illegal detention and conspiracy in the apprehension of Luster.
Chapman claims to have captured more than 6,000 fugitives. He was born and raised in Denver. He and his wife own a bail bond business in Honolulu and another in Colorado, and regularly return to Denver.