Man once again to face rape charges from DNA breakthrough

He had a one-way ticket for a flight to Haiti on Monday, but a fugitive’s apparent plan to flee from rape allegations was foiled by federal agents from South Florida.

Authorities say Pascal Estime, 56, was arrested by U.S. Marshals at Orlando International Airport, on charges that he sexually battered a mentally impaired woman in Boynton Beach 15 years ago.

Informed Tuesday of Estime’s capture, Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Joseph Marx ordered the Orlando man to be held without bond pending his return.

Estime originally was taken into custody in July 2017 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, also before an expected trip to Port-au-Prince. Agents then acted on a warrant for Estime’s DNA, which led to a cold-case breakthrough.