U.S. Marshals, Marion Deputies and Officers Involved in Arrest of West Virginia Fugitive Wanted for Child Sexual Assault

Full Release from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office:

On October 9, 2025, at 8:48am, the Marion County Central Dispatch Center received a telephone call from a Deputy Marshal with the United States Marshal’s Office requesting assistance with the apprehension of a fugitive in the 8600-block of Larue-Green Camp Road.

Upon Deputies’ arrival, they were informed that the fugitive suspect had been located at a nearby residence; however, Deputy Marshals were not certain if he had fled inside the residence or into a wooded area to the north of the residence. It was reported that the subject may have been armed at the time that he fled the Deputy Marshals.

A thorough search of the area was conducted by a team consisting of Deputy Sheriff’s, Officers from the Marion Police Department, a Trooper from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Marion Post, Deputy U.S. Marshals and a helicopter from the Columbus Division of Police.

Through the course of the search, investigators were lead to a residence on West Vine Street in the Village of Larue. After several announcements and a brief tactical advance from the Marion Special Response Team, the fugitive suspect exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident.

Mark Jason Purtee of Huntington, West Virginia, was arrested on a felony warrant out of Cabell County, West Virginia, for 1 count of 1st Degree Sexual Assault on a child under 12 years of age. Purtee was taken to the Multi-County Correctional Center to await extradition.