Marshals capture Maurice Johnson, wanted for abuse



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- U.S. Marshals are looking for 36-year-old Maurice Johnson -- a Milwaukee man accused of torturing a young girl law enforcement officials say he knew.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Todd Marratt says in February, investigators were called to a school regarding a potential case of child abuse. Officials listened to a young girl's story of discipline that prosecutors saw as a crime.

"Beat her with a belt across her back. He would punish the girl when she did things wrong. He would punish her by sexually assaulting her. I don't know what I would do if that happened to my daughter," Marratt said.

The victim was just eight years old.

"Sometimes she would hold books over her head -- sometimes clothed and sometimes not. She would have to stand on one foot sometimes," Marratt said.

At times, the limited strength of an eight-year-old would give way.

"If she put her other foot down, she would get beaten with a belt," Marratt said.

After charges were filed, Johnson checked out, and U.S. Marshals began their search for the fugitive.

"He needs to be held accountable for his actions," Marratt said.

Officials describe Johnson as 5'11" tall and weighs 280 pounds. Marshals believe he is hiding out in Milwaukee -- possibly on the north side.

If you've seen him, law enforcement officials want to hear from you at  414-297-3707.