Crime Stoppers SA: Accused Adelaide fraudster Jonathan Robert Simmons named among Australia’s most wanted criminals
THIS is one of South Australia’s most wanted fugitives — and now a new national police campaign has been launched to track him down, along with nine others wanted for a range of serious crimes.
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AN accused South Australian fraudster has been named as among the country’s most wanted in a national police operation to track down fugitives.
Detectives believe Jonathan Robert Simmons, 36, ripped off more than $58,000 from a number of people in 2014 by claiming he would develop a website to “assist punters”.
But the suspected fraudster, who is believed to use alias including John Robert Griffiths, Tristian Simmons or John Simmons, likely fled interstate the following year as SA Police closed in.
Three years later, he has been named as among 10 fugitives wanted for a range of serious crimes — including one dubbed Australia’s most wanted man.
The Australia-wide Crime Stoppers campaign appeals for information on a convicted killer, another man accused of murdering his brother, drug traffickers and others.
Officials fear the suspects could be hiding anywhere in Australia.
Simmons, whose former address is unknown, had a warrant issued for his arrest in 2016 for deception-related crimes after an investigation by Eastern Adelaide CIB detectives.
They want to arrest him on 10 deceive another to benefit self charges, which authorities allege occurred between September 17, 2014 and November 5 in the same year in Adelaide.
Records show he was due to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on May 5, 2016 where a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Another warrant was issued on March 29 this year. Police say the alleged fraud totalled at least $58,000.
Authorities say while he may still be living in SA, police believe he could also be “evading arrest by hiding in New South Wales or Victoria”.
Speaking ahead of the annual launch of Operation Roam — Rogue Radar — Crime Stoppers SA chairwoman, Sharon Hanlon, appealed for information.
She said South Australians “have a strong track record in providing information”.
“(We are) working closely with police to put these targets onto the community’s radar in the hope that someone has information that can result in their capture,” she said.
“There is no doubt that all of this year’s targets are actively avoiding arrest because they are wanted for an array of crimes such as murder, fraud, sexual assault and drug trafficking.
“We urge people to provide information — no matter how small — about these fugitives.”
The Advertiser revealed how suspected Gold Coast drugs kingpin Jonathon Grey, 41, was arrested while picking his daughters up from Walford Anglican School for Girls, after being named in last year’s campaign.
Ms Hanlon said another two national suspects were arrested in the state
Among this year’s most wanted list includes convicted killer Graham Gene Potter, 59, who has evaded Victorian police for years.
He murdered Wollongong teenager Kim Barry, and then cut off her head and fingers but during his life sentence he connected with serious underworld figures.
Victorian Detectives have received information from Crime Stoppers that Potter — who has been on the run for seven years — may be living in the Griffith area.
He was given bail in 2009 when he was accused of conspiring to kill two men on behalf of a mafia syndicate.
He was meant to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for conspiracy to murder charges in February 2010, but did not appear.
AUSTRALIA’S MOST WANTED
Jonathan Robert Simmons
Alias Robert Griffiths, Tristian Simmons, John Simmons
Wanted by: South Australia Police
Wanted for 10 deception offences where he obtained more than $50,000 from a fraudulent punters website.
Cody Allan Coppock
Wanted by: New South Wales Police
Wanted for an aggravated break and enter incident, which saw Coppock ram two civilian vehicles to avoid arrest. Also wanted in Queensland and believed to be in possession of firearms.
Harley Bennett
Wanted by: New South Wales Police
Convicted of an aggravated sexual assault and sentenced to six years imprisonment. A warrant was issued for breach of parole. He is believed to have fled interstate.
Paul Brent Steadman
Wanted by: New South Wales Police
Charged with offences relating to the sexual assault of a boy under 16. Failed to appear at court and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Believed to have left the Bathurst area. It is also possible he is deceased.
Paul Paterson
Wanted by: New South Wales Police
Convicted of a serious assault on his two year old stepdaughter.
Served a period of imprisonment and breached parole conditions after release. Currently believed to be in the Darwin area, Northern Territory.
Keith John Porter
Wanted by: Queensland Police
Convicted for his involvement in a drug trafficking syndicate supplying cocaine and cannabis. Failed to attend Court for his sentencing hearing. A warrant was issued for his arrest.
Arron Michael Blenkinsop
Wanted by: Queensland Police
Convicted for drug trafficking and received a five-year sentence and three year sentence for two offences. After being granted parole, he failed to comply with parole conditions, and a warrant was issued for his return to custody.
Graham Gene Potter
Wanted by: Victoria Police
Wanted for two counts of conspiracy to murder.
Arrested and charged, but failed to appear when granted bail.
He has been the subject of many media appeals over the past 10 years, with sightings reported across Australia.
Jonathon Edward Dick
Wanted by: Victoria Police
Wanted in relation to the murder of his brother, David Dick, in February 2017.
Pham Nguyen
Wanted by: Victoria Police
Alleged to have entered the vehicle of a female, who drove off, without realising he was in the back seat. He splashed petrol over the victim and assaulted her, causing the victim to collide with a pole. Wanted for the offence of ‘conduct endangering life’