Authorities have launched a public search for a missing Aiken woman last seen with her estranged boyfriend, a man described as an armed and dangerous criminal with a $500 reward on his head for missing court.
Brittany Nichole Winburn, 19, was actually reported missing on Aug. 24 by family members who said she had not been seen for three weeks from her home on Crawford Avenue, according to a press release issued Friday.
“It was reported that she was in the company of her estranged boyfriend, Julio Ocampos Vargas, 29 year old Hispanic male,” a sheriff’s press release said. “Vargas is wanted for an outstanding Failure to Appear Warrant. … Vargas should be considered armed and dangerous.”
The Jail Report has been running Vargas’ picture on the Wanted page for a few weeks after a report by Georgia-Carolina Bail Bonds that the suspect jumped bail on charges of kidnapping, assault & battery and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime.
Two months ago, Vargas went on trial in the 2015 attempted rape of a 19-year-old Jackson woman, but he failed to appear in court. The judge issued an active bench warrant on him.
According to a sheriff’s report, the unidentified teenager was found in the roadway needing help on Windsor Road at 7:30 in the morning. The victim told authorities that Vargas pulled a knife on her and threatened to rape her.
A $500 reward has been offered by the bail bonding company for a verified location or information leading to his arrest.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at 803-648-6811. Individuals may also call Crime stoppers of the Midlands: 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward up to $1,000.
Note: The couple picture shown above currently appears on Winburn’s public Facebook page. She has two Facebook pages. Her last post was June 28.
