Broke American fugitive surrenders in Manila

MANILA, Philippines—An American wanted by federal authorities in Guam for heroin smuggling yielded to authorities in Manila, saying he was broke after 17 years on the run.

Marvin George Scharff, 51, turned himself in to US Embassy officials in Manila and begged that he be allowed to return to the unincorporated US territory of Guam, the Bureau of Immigration said Wednesday.

He said he had no one to turn to for financial help in the Philippines.

On the request of the embassy, he was arrested by Philippine authorities and deported to Guam, BI Intelligence Chief Maria Antonette Mangrobang said.

Scharff has been on the US government’s wanted list since January 13, 1995 when a Guam court issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of heroin smuggling.

BI-Interpol chief Bernard Cruzata said Sharff arrived in Manila on a tourist visa in 1994 but did not process his extension of stay when his visa lapsed.

Cruzata said the American had overstayed his visa for six years.