Posted on Friday, 11.12.10
Belgian child rape suspect arrested in Florida

The Associated Press

OCALA, Fla. -- Immigration agents have arrested a Belgian man in north Florida wanted in his home country for child rape and extortion.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reports that agents picked up 31-year-old Andy Vertoont while he was at work in Ocala.

Authorities say Vertoont is wanted in Belgium for raping a 12-year-old boy in June 2009. He is also accused of threatening a person with violence unless they paid him 12,000 euros ($17,000).

Vertoont was previously convicted in Belgium in 2001 for raping two children.

ICE reports that Vertoont entered the U.S. in October 2009 on a 90-day visa waiver but stayed longer without authorization.

Vertoont remains in ICE custody until he can be sent back to Belgium.

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