Authorities in Massachusetts have indicted Albert F. Carabba in connection with the 2009 disappearance of his former girlfriend, Patricia Santos, who vanished from Worcester more than 16 years ago and has never been found. Following the indictment by a Worcester County grand jury in September, Carabba was located and arrested in Ocean City, Mississippi. He is currently being held there while contesting extradition back to Massachusetts to face the charge.
According to prosecutors, Carabba was arraigned in a Mississippi court as a fugitive from justice shortly after his arrest. At that hearing, he was given the option to waive extradition—a legal step that would have allowed Massachusetts authorities to transport him back immediately—but he declined. As a result, the case has entered the formal interstate extradition process, which can take weeks or even months to complete.
How Interstate Extradition Works
Interstate extradition is governed by the U.S. Constitution and state law. When a person is charged with a serious crime in one state and located in another, the demanding state must formally request their return through a governor’s warrant. In this case, Massachusetts must submit an application to its governor, who then sends a requisition to the governor of Mississippi. Only after the asylum state approves and serves the warrant can the accused be lawfully transferred. During this process, the individual has limited but important rights, including the ability to challenge identity, paperwork deficiencies, or procedural errors.
While extradition hearings do not determine guilt or innocence, they are far from automatic. Errors in documentation, timing issues, or violations of due process can delay or, in rare cases, prevent extradition. In cases involving serious charges like murder—especially where decades have passed and evidence may be circumstantial—these procedural protections take on added importance.
Why Legal Representation Is Critical in Extradition Cases
Whether extradition is interstate or international, facing it without an experienced criminal defense attorney is risky. Extradition law is highly technical, and any missteps, such as inadvertently waiving rights or missing filing deadlines, can have permanent consequences. A skilled extradition attorney can assess whether the demanding state has complied with all legal requirements, advise on whether to contest or waive extradition, and protect the client’s rights at every stage of the process.
If you or a loved one is facing extradition for a serious criminal charge, it is essential to act quickly. An attorney experienced in criminal defense and extradition matters can provide strategic guidance, coordinate across jurisdictions, and ensure that constitutional protections are enforced. When the stakes involve serious felony charges and the power of multiple state or national governments, experienced legal advocacy is essential. At Dhar Law, LLP, we are experienced in high level cases involving extradition and matters related to interstate or international warrants, red notices and other high stakes jurisdictional legal challenges. Your rights are precious and there is often only one critical moment in an interstate or international case where you get the opportunity to defend them. At Dhar Law, LLP, we support clients to be prepared for these moments. We provide translation services in all major languages to ease the process. Contact our experienced, hard-hitting extradition defense attorneys to speak to a member of our team at 617 880-6155.
