Trusted Church Servant Living A Double Life

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Frederick "Rick" McLean.

Cops say that Frederick "Rick" McLean was described as a loner by those who knew him.  An expert mechanic who was financially successful in the business of buying, restoring, and reselling vintage CanAm and open-wheel race cars from the 60's and 70's, McLean lived and worked in the San Diego and Riverside counties of southern California. 

According to US Marshals, McLean was a Ministerial Servant in the Jehovah's Witnesses and was utilizing his position of trust to commit sexual crimes against young girls - some no more than five years old.  

As one victim's parents told AMW, they had no clue that an alleged sexual predator was amongst them -- even though church elders had prior knowledge of complaints against McLean from another congregation.

McLean was an experienced outdoorsman and would often take children on overnight camping trips.  Police maintain that parents trusted him with their kids because of his almost "fanatical concern" for the kids' safety.  

Authorities say that McLean was confronted a number of times over the years by those he molested, but Jehovah's Witnesses judicial committees require two witnesses to an event of molestation before taking any kind of disciplinary action.  Detectives believe that by moving from one Kingdom Hall congregation to another, McLean was able to keep his crimes mostly hidden for 25 to 30 years, before finally being "outed" to the general public and "disfellowshipped", or expelled, from the religion.  

A Treasure Map And A Quick Getaway

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Cops say McLean's victims were girls between ages 5 and twelve.

Cops were alerted to McLean's crimes after an 18-year-old woman reported past molestations by McLean to the police in May 2004.  They say that McLean probably knew he would eventually be caught and believe he had been stashing large amounts of cash around his property -- maybe as much as $400,000. 

When he found out that he was under investigation, McLean began a quick dissolution of both his business and his marriage, divorcing his wife and selling off his race car restoration business. 

Before investigators could put together a case against him, McLean had vanished with the cash.  They say he also left behind a hand-drawn treasure map where a large amount of money was buried.  Cops tell AMW that McLean stated that the treasure site would be revealed if he should be caught. 

Altered State of Appearance

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Clean-shaven McLean had moustache most of life and could be dyeing his hair.

Police say that McLean left town in a small dark-colored pickup truck, but that he also may have a 1955 Chevy hot rod, which could possibly still be in a storage unit if he hasn't sold it by now.

Authorities maintain that he may have changed his physical appearance and purchased a new set of identity documents.  He is also believed to have armed himself with a gun.  

Police say that McLean could still be in north San Diego County or Riverside County areas.  They also speculate that given his extensive outdoor experience he could also be in the Cuyamaca Mountains or in the Anza-Borrego desert regions.  US Marshals say that McLean would probably be living alone or in an isolated situation although acquaintances say that McLean is likely to keep an eye on his family from afar.

According to cops, McLean is to be considered armed and dangerous and may be desperate in his need to sexually molest young girls.