Frank John Selas III, 76, former host of children's TV show, Mr Wonder, was indicted on rape charges Fled to Brazil in 1979 after parents complained to authorities that he abused their children
Known by the name Frank Szeles in the San Diego area  ... was arrested in California last month after spending 36 years on the run
 Tsk tsk tsk. You can't outrun your shadow when the goods are on you....
The former children's television show host who vanished decades ago amid allegations he sexually abused children on a camping trip in Louisiana was indicted Thursday on rape charges.
Frank John Selas III, 76, was indicted on two counts of aggravated rape, three counts of sexual battery and eight counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile. 

Selas fled to Brazil in 1979 after parents complained to authorities that he abused their children on a camping trip in Louisiana. A photo of Selas from the 70sFrank John Selas III, 76, was indicted on two counts of aggravated rape, three counts of sexual battery and eight counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile. Federal agents arrested Selas last month in California after he spent more than 30 years on the run
Photo: Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office                                
Frank John Selas III, 76, was indicted on two counts of aggravated rape, three counts of sexual battery and eight counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile. Federal agents arrested Selas (left) last month in California after he spent more than 30 years on the run (right)
Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorney, Brian Mosley said the charges relate to one alleged victim, who testified before the central Louisiana grand jury. Federal agents arrested Selas last month in California. Authorities say he had settled in the San Diego area by 1985 and legally changed his name to Frank Szeles in 1992.



In the late 1970s, Selas hosted the 'Mr. Wonder' show on KNOE-TV in northern Louisiana. 
He allegedly fled to Brazil in 1979 after parents complained to authorities that he abused their children on a camping trip to Kisatchie National Forest in central Louisiana.
When Selas, then 39, vanished, his car was found abandoned in Dallas, Texas, and it's believed he traveled to Rio de Janeiro.
Selas' attorney, Marc Carlos, read a statement from the family that pleaded for privacy.
Selas (pictured in court) initially claimed that authorities had arrested the wrong person, but a San Diego judge ruled on February 11 that he is the fugitive wanted in Louisiana since 1979
Photo: CBS
Selas (pictured in court) initially claimed that authorities had arrested the wrong person, but a San Diego judge ruled on February 11 that he is the fugitive wanted in Louisiana since 1979
'Despite the allegations, for 37 years, Frank Szeles has been a husband, father and grandfather and has always provided for his family,' the family said.
'He is well-loved, respected and supported by his family and friends and the community here in San Diego.'
Carlos said the developments were 'a shock to everyone'.  
The Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office has said investigators identified seven alleged victims in Louisiana as a result of the 1979 investigation, which led to an arrest warrant but not an indictment.
District Attorney Phillip Terrell said Selas could face additional charges beyond those contained in Thursday's indictment.


'I'm aware of the possibility of another victim arising out of the same incident,' Terrell said of the 1979 camping trip.
Selas initially claimed that authorities had arrested the wrong person, but a San Diego judge ruled on February 11 that he is the fugitive wanted in Louisiana since 1979. 
That ruling paves the way for Selas to be brought back to Louisiana to face the new charges.
Selas was scheduled to return to the San Diego court Friday. Mosley said he planned to send a copy of the indictment to San Diego authorities before that hearing.
In San Diego, the man known to neighbors as Frank Szeles was a former Cub Scouts leader who advertised swim lessons and other activities for young children from his home in Bonita - about 10 miles southeast of downtown San Diego.
Selas hosted a children's television show in Louisiana in the 70s as 'Mr Wonder' (pictured). He was also a Cub Scout leader. He fled the country with his family in 1979 after parents accused him of sexually abusing them on a camping trip
Photo: CBS
Selas hosted a children's television show in Louisiana in the 70s as 'Mr Wonder' (pictured). He was also a Cub Scout leader. He fled the country with his family in 1979 after parents accused him of sexually abusing them on a camping trip