A fugitive from New York City who had been on the run for nearly a year was finally arrested after a federal officer working his case miraculously spotted him while he was also on vacation at Walt Disney World.
Federal postal inspector Jeff Andre was vacationing at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom on Oct. 20 when shockingly, he saw Quashon Burton. Burton fled his Brooklyn home last November after being accused of fraudulently obtaining coronavirus relief aid.
The 31-year-old fugitive was recognized by Officer Andre when he noticed the unique cursive letter H tattoo on Burton’s neck.
According to the federal complaint, Burton stole the identities of at least four people in order to fraudulently take out government PPP loans that were meant to help struggling businesses during the pandemic.
Prosecutors revealed that Burton purchased money orders from a New York City post office to get the cash after the loans were approved.
Burton allegedly stole approximately $150,000 in forgivable federal loans.
In the federal complaint, prosecutors stated that Burton “has clearly demonstrated an ability to mask his true identity to evade law enforcement. So too has he demonstrated a willingness to lie about this identity to avoid arrest.”
According to a sheriff’s report, once Officer Andre spotted Burton around 3 p.m., he contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and reported that a fugitive was in the amusement park.
Police confirmed Officer Andre’s credentials and then reviewed a photograph of Burton before they arrested him an hour later as he waited at a bus stop with two of his family members, the report said.
Upon the confrontation, Burton refused to provide his ID when asked. Burton then resisted arrest until a deputy took him down to the ground.
Burton continued to refuse that he was Quashon Burton even after fingerprints proved his true identity. Burton was charged with resisting arrest and handed over to federal custody.
Prosecutors in New York requested that Burton remain in custody, calling him “an extreme risk of flight.” Burton is now being held without bail before his trial.
