Fugitive wanted in Washington State arrested in Hancock County

On July 21, 2023 the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division received an anonymous tip concerning Joseph Peter Berge III, a wanted fugitive from Washington State since October 2019.

Joseph Berge was believed to be living with his girlfriend, Muriah Jones, in Hancock County under the Alias, Seth Jones, with an altered date of birth.

Investigators contacted the Washington Department of Corrections. Investigators were informed Joseph Berge was wanted for escaping Washington DOC probation supervision after previously being convicted for 2 counts of Child Molestation and 1 count of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Joseph Berge is also wanted in Clark County, Washington for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Investigators were able to confirm the alias, Seth Jones, had been used in a previous incident reported on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in February 2023.

Additionally, investigators were able to confirm a known address for Seth Jones in Kiln, MS. Investigators and patrol deputies proceeded to the address in Kiln, MS.

Upon arrival contact was made with Muriah Jones who was informed they were attempting to locate Joseph Berge to serve an active arrest warrant.

Upon further investigation, Joseph Berge was located inside the residence. Joseph Berge was taken into custody without incident.

Muriah Jones was arrested for the charge of Felony Hindering Prosecution.

Joseph Berge and Muriah Jones were transported to the Hancock County Adult Detention Center.

Joseph Berge has been booked on a Hold for Washington DOC. Muriah Jones was booked on the charge Felony Hindering Prosecution.