Wednesday, June 19, 2013

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Accused child rapist believed to be in Colorado Springs
Posted: 03.07.2013 at 7:05 AM
Abbie Burke

Abbie Burke is a general assignment reporter for FOX21 News.

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Justen Burns is wanted for two counts of aggravated sexual assault on a child. Authorities believe he may be in Colorado Springs.  / Photo courtesy Montgomery County District Attorney's Office
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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Authorities say a man accused of raping a child in Texas could be hiding out in Colorado Springs.

Justen Levi Burns is wanted for two counts of aggravated sexual assault on a child.

He's accused of raping a 6-year-old autistic girl.

The alleged incident happened back in June in Montgomery County Texas, located about 40 miles north of Houston.

Investigators believe Burns is now in Colorado Springs.

"We believe work may have brought him to your community," Joey Ashton, a criminal investigator with the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, said.

Ashton flew into the Springs Wednesday night to follow up on some leads in the area.

He asked for the community to be on alert.

"We just need the community's help," Ashton said. "He's priority number one with my department."

Ashton said Burns should be considered dangerous.

"At this point he has fled the county, the state, and now he's several states away, so most definitely. We don't know what he's capable of at this point. He's very desperate to stay outside the hands of law enforcement," Ashton said.

Anyone with information is urged to call police or Ashton at (936) 537-2860.

Burns may be with a woman named Sarah Peterson.

Back in November Fountain Police attempted to contact Burns but he fled the area.

Police said they tried to track him with a K-9 unit but were unsuccessful.

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