West Virginia Fugitive Apprehended In Marion County Was Convicted In 2007 Arizona Kidnapping

Carrie Gloeckner Rose

October 14, 2025

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A West Virginia man apprehended in Marion County, Ohio, on Thursday for sexual assault of a child was previously convicted of kidnapping nearly 20 years ago in Arizona.

Mark Jason Purtee, of Huntington, was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service and Marion County Sheriff’s deputies. Purtee, 52, was charged with sexual assault against a minor under the age of 12 on October 6, according to Huntington police. The alleged attack happened in early September.

Purtee was arrested three days later in the 8600 block of La Rue-Green Camp Road in Ohio. During the hunt, investigators spotted Purtee hiding in a residence on West Vine Street. Following many announcements and a brief “tactical advance” by law enforcement utilizing a drone, Purtee exited the house and was arrested without incident.

Police raided Purtee’s Huntington home and discovered two shotguns and ammunition. According to police, he was convicted of an abduction in Maricopa County, Arizona in January 2007.

Purtee has also been charged with two counts of possessing restricted guns. He is scheduled to be extradited to Cabell County, but may face charges in Marion County.

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