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Child rape suspect arrested after 23 years on the run

BOSTON -- Authorities say a former Massachusetts man who was charged with raping children and went on the run more than two decades ago has been arrested in North Carolina.

John Joseph Hartin was accused of sexually abusing two boys he befriended in the Boston area in 1993. Hartin fled after being charged with five counts of child rape.

In 2012, the FBI ran a multistate media campaign and offered a reward of up to $25,000 in the case. The FBI said at the time they were concerned he could victimize other children, reported CBS Boston.

The station reported Hartin worked as a security guard.

The FBI and Boston police said Thursday they learned Hartin was living in Walkertown, N.C., under the assumed name of Jay Matthew Carter. The 46-year-old Hartin was arrested at his home Wednesday.

Authorities are seeking Hartin's extradition from North Carolina. It's not clear if he has a lawyer who can respond to the allegations.

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