CAPE MAY – Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Taylor and Chief Anthony Marino of the Cape May City Police Department announce the arrest of Russell Charles Govett, 38, a resident of St. Clair, Mich.
On Feb. 10, members of the Cape May City Police Department were contacted by members of the Detroit Police Department – Homicide Unit regarding Govett. Govett was currently a fugitive from justice from the state of Michigan and a suspect in a triple homicide in Detroit, Mich. It was believed Govett was staying at an acquaintance’s residence in Cape May.
Members of the U.S. Marshal’s Regional Task Force, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Cape May City Police Department, and Lower Township Police Department initiated an investigation into the apprehension of Govett.
On Feb. 11, Govett was observed by Detective Sgt. Austin walking in Cape May and was apprehended without incident with the assistance of the other members of the participating agencies. At the time of his apprehension, Govett was found in possession of prescription legend drugs not prescribed to him.
At the time of the arrest, Dana Esbensen, 41, of the 1400 block Pennsylvania Avenue in Cape May, who was walking with Govett at the time of his arrest, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and released on a summons.
On Feb. 11, Govett was charged as a fugitive from justice, who was in violation of parole and possession of prescription legend drugs, a crime of the fourth degree.
Govett was lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Center in lieu of $1,000,000 bail, pending extradition back to Michigan.
Taylor relates this is an ongoing investigation and urges citizens who may have information concerning this investigation to contact the Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135, Cape May City Police Department at 609-884-9500, or anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-465-2800.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from law enforcement.
