Accused Child Rapist And Fugitive From Pennsylvania Arrested By U.S. Marshals In NH

CONCORD, NH — An accused child rapist from Pennsylvania, who skipped out of court on his jury selection day Monday, has been found and arrested in New Hampshire.

A bench warrant was issued for Marcus McDaniel, 37, of Coatesville, PA, after he did not report to a Lycoming County Court, where he faces dozens of charges, including first-degree felony rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, unlawful contact with a minor, indecent assault-person less than 13 years, endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors, and criminal attempt-rape of a child. Deputy U.S. Marshal Andrew Grillo said the trial started Wednesday without McDaniel in attendance.

During the past 48 hours, the U.S. Marshals Service Middle District of Pennsylvania asked New Hampshire investigators to follow up on a tip that McDaniel might be staying and working in the Queen City, Grillo said. Around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, McDaniel was found and arrested.

“A man facing these types of charges needs to be apprehended as quickly and safely as possible,” Task Force Supervisor William Tufts, who applauded his team's expedited efforts, said. “Securing the safety of our communities, especially our children, is an absolute imperative. I am proud of the role the Marshals Service plays assisting local law enforcement’s unwavering dedication to shield our most vulnerable from predators.”

McDaniel is being held in the Hillsborough County Department of Corrections on a fugitive from justice charge and will soon face an extradition hearing in Hillsborough County Superior Court North.

According to online news outlets in Pennsylvania, McDaniel, and his partner, Michelle Stayer, previously of Muncy, PA, were arrested in April 2022 on several charges after a ChildLine tip about a girl reporting to a school guidance counselor that they were touched inappropriately. Investigators later accused McDaniel of sexually assaulting the girl while Stayer watched, a report stated. McDaniel posted $150,000 bail after being arrested, and in July 2022, Stayer was also released on bail. In August 2022, McDaniel was arrested again after the district attorney filed 75 more charges against him. He was held without bail but was released later.

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