Former resident wanted by FBI
Former resident wanted by FBI
January 9, 2001
Joseph S. Pete
Eric Franklin Rosser used to play keyboard for John Mellencamp's band.
But the former Bloomington resident is now wanted for allegedly creating and distributing child pornography. Rosser was added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list Dec. 27.
"We have been very serious about this case," FBI special agent Robert Reilly said. "But this puts more emphasis on the case … We hope the international publicity will be beneficial in tracking him."
Since its inception, the Ten Most Wanted list has been remarkably effective, FBI officials said. Of the 460 fugitives named to the list, 431 have been apprehended, 137 as the result of citizen cooperation.
According to the FBI, Rosser was last seen in Amsterdam after jumping bail in Thailand. Describing him as a bald, 5-foot-7, 145-pound, 47-year-old man of medium build, the report states Rosser is "an admitted pedophile who may have suicidal tendencies."
He is believed to be traveling in the United States or overseas.
Rosser replaces Arthur Lee Washington, Jr., who allegedly shot at a New Jersey state trooper in 1989. Reilly said he is the first fugitive to be placed on the list for crimes specifically against children.
The FBI is offering as much as a $50,000 reward for information leading to Rosser's arrest. Anyone with information should contact the Bloomington FBI office at 332-9275.
But the agency cautions he should be considered an escape and suicide risk.
A federal grand jury in Indianapolis indicted Rosser in March of six acts of child molestation in both Bloomington and Bangkok.
"We have every reason to believe he is continuing the activity," said FBI special agent James Casey, who is pursuing the case.
In connection with the investigation, four other Bloomington men have been convicted of various charges.
David Danser and Pirie Cleveland were convicted of the production and possession of child pornography, respectively. William Platz and Charles Poole were convicted of lying to FBI agents.
Rosser was arrested Feb. 9 when Thai police -- tipped off by the FBI -- raided his home, finding photos and videos of children. According to police, two of the children identified in the pornographic material were former Bloomington residents. Rosser was jailed and later released on a bond equivalent to about $30,000.
He posted bail again when he was arrested shortly after on charges of child molestation. But he failed to show up at a court-ordered appearance, prompting a manhunt by Thai police. He is believed to have left the country.
While in Thailand, the FBI said he ran a music school in his home and had a wife and 2-year-old son. Rosser has been trained as a professional concert and jazz pianist, and authorities believe he might be making a living as a street musician.