An airman who left his post in Augsburg, Germany, nearly three decades ago recently contacted Air Force investigators from Sweden, the country he has called home since he went AWOL in February 1984.

David A. Hemler, 49, who was with the 6913th Electronic Security Squadron at the time of his disappearance, sent an email to the service’s Office of Special Investigations about two weeks ago, agency spokeswoman Linda Card said. OSI has verified the email did come from Hemler.

But unless Hemler turns himself in or returns to the U.S., “our hands are tied. We can’t touch him,” Card said. That’s because Sweden’s extradition treaty with the U.S. does not cover military or political crimes.

“Everybody’s working with the U.S. embassy in Sweden, trying to encourage him to turn himself in,” she said. So far, “he’s made no attempt to do that.”

Hemler, whose rank at the time he deserted was not made available, is on OSI’s list of most-wanted fugitives.Click here to read more

Mary Ellen Mileski (right), mother of the victim Jack Mileski and older brother Bill Mileski (left) leave the courtroom Friday 8/21/98. The jury found Clair Welsh gulty of first degree murder. photo by Heidi Thomsen