Fugitive former KNOE kiddie show host finally nabbed on 1979 molestation charge

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A former Louisiana television personality known as "Mr. Wonder" was arrested in San Diego County on charges he sexually abused young children during a free camping trip nearly four decades ago.

Frank Selas, known by his television name "Mr. Wonder," is accused of criminal sexual conduct with juveniles, said Sheriff William Earl Hilton of Rapides Parish, Louisiana.

In a statement Tuesday, the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana said 76-year-old Frank John Selas III remained a fugitive for 37 years before his arrest Monday at his home in Bonita, California, on two counts of obscene behavior with a juvenile.

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In the late 1970s, Selas hosted the "Mr. Wonder" show on KNOE-TV in north Louisiana. In 1979, the sheriff's office received complaints from parents who accused Selas of abusing their children during a camping trip near Valentine Lake at Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana. The three-day retreat was promoted by Selas through Ouachita Parish, associated with his TV personality. He promoted the trips for children ages 5-11, according to a flier provided by the sheriff's office.

Louisiana Sheriff's officials obtained a warrant for Selas' arrest in relation to two counts of obscene behavior with a juvenile. When officials went to his home, his wife told them her husband had fled in the family car. In the coming days, officials would find Selas' car in Dallas. Selas, then 39, allegedly fled the country and flew from Dallas to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, before investigators could arrest him.

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