Hampton Felon Fugitive Found, Arrested On Theft Charges: Follow-Up

HAMPTON, NH — A felon fugitive from Hampton accused of fleeing from police and the Seacoast Emergency Response Team on Monday night has been captured.

Just past 10 a.m. on Tuesday, James Roland Dustin, 22, of Hampton, was taken into custody by New Hampshire Probation and Parole after “an intensive search that began late Monday night and culminated with his arrest on Tuesday morning,” Alex Reno, the police chief in Hampton, said.

Also Read

• Hampton Felon Wanted On Theft Charges After Guns, Vehicles Stolen

“Additionally,” he said, “the missing firearm that was previously reported as stolen has been recovered.”

Dustin was taken to police headquarters for booking on three felony theft charges and questioning by investigators, Reno said and was held on a probation detainer. He will be arraigned in Hampton District Court on Wednesday. The case remains under investigation, with Reno saying more charges were “expected to be forthcoming,” including separate charges from probation and parole.

Along with the response team and probation and parole, Portsmouth police brought their drone unit to town to assist with the case.

Reno reminded residents to keep their vehicles locked and to secure firearms and other valuables.

According to superior court records, Dustin was charged with two counts of felony drug possession, felony theft, five misdemeanor theft charges, breach of bail, taking without owner’s consent — a rental from Enterprise, operating without a valid license, and driving after revocation or suspension in late November 2022 after an incident in Seabrook in October 2022. In August 2023, the driving charges, one drug charge, and breach of bail count were nolle prossed as part of a plea deal on one drug charge and the theft charges, making him a felon. Dustin was fined and received suspended sentences with 115 days time served. He was also required to admit himself to Live Free Recovery in Keene. In January, Dustin was accused of violation of probation or parole and a warrant was issued for his arrest. A motion was made to impose suspended sentences on Feb. 14. He failed to appear at a status conference on March 5. Dustin was in court the next day where he requested a lawyer. On March 7, a request to continue by the defense was denied. On April 1, cash bail was set at $250. But 10 days later, a warrant was issued for his arrest. A few hearings were canceled and a probation violation hearing rebooked for July 11.

Dustin was also accused by police of two counts of loitering and prowling, unlawful possession of alcohol, criminal trespass, and resisting arrest, in February 2021, after Cameron Ayers of North Hampton was accused of stealing booze from a store in town that later involved an exchange of gun fire, according to police. At the time of his arrest, Dustin had an active warrant from 2020, too. Ayers was found guilty of robbery and resisting arrest in the store case in May 2022. He was sentenced to two 12-month sentences, six months suspended for three years after completing a program, and 69 days of time served credit.

Anyone with information related to this incident was asked to contact the Hampton Police Department at 603-929-4444. Anonymous tips can be made through the Crimeline for the Hamptons at 603-929-1222.

Do you have a news tip? Please email it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella's YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel. Follow the NH politics Twitter account @NHPatchPolitics for all our campaign coverage.