HomeCosta RicaMichigan fugitive John Saatio to be extradited Saturday

Michigan fugitive John Saatio to be extradited Saturday

After escaping from authorities on two separate occasions, U.S. fugitive John Wesley Saatio won’t have a third chance to run free in Costa Rica.

Costa Rican Security Minister Gustavo Mata announced that Saatio will be extradited Saturday when authorities will put him on a commercial flight out of Juan Santamaría International Airport accompanied by U.S. Marshals.

Saatio was recaptured Tuesday in Desamparados, south of San José, after escaping through a ventilation duct in the immigration detention center in Hatillo where he had been held since June 3.

The 35-year-old fugitive from Michigan was initially aprehended by police in the popular Central Pacific beach town of Jacó earlier this month on an order from Interpol. Saatio faces a lengthy prison sentence in the U.S. for charges of home invasion, destruction of police property, and violating probation.

He escaped last year while police were transporting him to jail after his arraignment in Houghton, Michigan.

Trending Now

Four Days of Rough Surf Ahead for Costa Rica’s Pacific Beaches

If you're planning on going to the Pacific coast this week, expect rough surf and storms every day. Waves could reach 2.7 meters (8.9...

Costa Rica’s President Invites Pope Leo XIV to Visit in 2027

President Laura Fernández formally invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Costa Rica during a private audience at the Vatican, proposing a trip in 2027...

Costa Rica Plans Highway Cameras and Radar Every 1.5 Kilometers on San Ramón Route

Drivers on the widened highway between San José and San Ramón would be watched by cameras and radar sensors at least every 1.5 kilometers...

Wha Happen? 13 Patois Phrases for Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast

Heading to Puerto Viejo or Cahuita? Learn 13 Mekatelyu phrases, from wha happen to mek wi go, before you go.

El Salvador’s Marcelo Arévalo Qualifies for ATP Finals Despite Vienna Upset

El Salvador’s Marcelo Arévalo and Croatian partner Mate Pavić have secured their place in the 2026 ATP Finals for the third consecutive year, although...

Four Detained in Costa Rica Over Sedative-Spiked Rides From Bars

Costa Rican authorities detained four men yesterday who are suspected of offering rides to people leaving bars in San José, drugging them with a...

Rare Sighting of Tapir Family in Costa Rica Highlights Importance of Forest Conservation

A rare wildlife encounter in northern Costa Rica has captured the attention of conservationists after a family of three endangered tapirs was filmed walking...

Costa Rica Hotel Wins Two World Travel Awards, Putting Tárcoles in the Spotlight

A hotel on Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast has won two international tourism awards, bringing attention to Tárcoles, a area known for its crocodile-filled...

Fixing an Invoice in Costa Rica Can Now Reopen a Tax Return You Already Filed

New Costa Rica e-invoice rules start Nov. 1. Correcting an invoice can now mean amending an old tax return and paying interest.
Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel