FRESNO  (AP) — A California Highway Patrol assistant chief has been charged with felony accessory and conspiracy in connection with helping his son — a convicted rapist — flee the country to Mexico.

Charges were filed Tuesday in Fresno County Superior Court against the parents and sister of 20-year-old Spencer Scarber, who faces a 70-year prison sentence for rape, robbery and burglary convictions.

Charged Tuesday were Scarber's father 49-year-old Kyle Scarber; his 51-year-old mother Gail Scarber and 34-year-old sister Crystal Reynoso.

Prosecutors say Kyle Scarber filed a false police report when he reported his son missing.

A car registered to Scarber's parents entered Mexico in early December, and prosecutors say Scarber's mother and sister walked back to the U.S. from the same crossing about an hour later.

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