Man Initially Reported Missing is Actually Wanted Fugitive, Authorities Say
MARIPOSA COUNTY, CA — “Over the past two days, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive missing person’s search, including ground teams from our Law Enforcement Search and Rescue Unit, multiple Helicopter Support, and the Off Highway Vehicle Unit. Ground search teams covered over 500 miles of rugged and remote terrain in an effort to locate Nathan who was reported to our office to be an “At Risk Missing Person”. Simultaneously we had our Investigations Unit working other leads. Through that investigation it was learned that Nathan had current pending federal charges.
As of now we now feel confident that this case has shifted from an “At Risk Missing Person” to an absconding fugitive from federal law enforcement who is no longer in Mariposa County. Surveillance footage has confirmed that his truck and dirt bike were seen in the Fresno area.
Nathan Baptista currently has an active federal warrant issued by the US Marshalls Office for violation of probation, with the original charge being sexual assault. Based on this information and current developments, we believe Nathan Baptista is a fugitive actively on the run.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Nathan Baptista, please contact the law enforcement jurisdiction closest to you.”
