A British man has been arrested in the US after allegedly faking his own death while facing rape charges in Scotland.
Kim Gordon, also known as Kim Vincent Avis, disappeared in February after his son reported that he had not come out of the sea after swimming at a Californian beach.
But investigators said the boy’s account “fell apart” and he could not say how they supposedly travelled to Monastery Beach, which is locally nicknamed Mortuary Beach because of frequent drownings.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office concluded that Mr Gordon had not entered the water after an extensive search including a helicopter, boats, divers and a drone.
“We continued to investigate the case and learned that Avis was out on bail for 24 felony sexual abuse charges pending in Scotland,” a spokesperson said.
“After speaking with his ex-wife, we became suspicious of the drowning report. We reinterviewed his son and determined he was not telling the truth.”
Mr Gordon’s son was returned to Scotland by the local child protection department, while local police, Scottish authorities and Interpol continued the investigation.
Authorities said the 55-year-old was traced to Colorado Springs following a sighting and arrested on Friday morning.
Mr Gordon is being held by US marshals in the city, ahead of an extradition hearing later this month.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police Scotland is aware of reports from the USA regarding Kim Gordon or Avis and is liaising with the relevant authorities.”
Scottish media reported that he was facing 24 charges, including allegations of rape, sexual and physical assault.
Mr Gordon, who formerly busked and sold jewellery in Inverness, failed to attend a court hearing in Edinburgh in March.
