U.S. Marshals Target Sex Offenders in Northern Arizona Compliance Operation

Phoenix, AZ – The combined efforts of the United States Marshals Service, Mohave County Probation Office, Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs and White river Tribal Police led to hundreds of sex offender compliance checks and six arrests in communities across northern Arizona.

"Sex offender compliance checks, especially in rural communities, are designed not only to determine if offenders are complying with court ordered requirements, but to help protect those most vulnerable to sex offenders," said District of Arizona U.S. Marshal David Gonzales.

Between July 21-22, 2020, 165 compliance checks were performed which resulted in the arrest of six individuals who were determined not to be following their registration requirements. Compliance checks involve law enforcement contacting sex offenders or conducting research to confirm addresses and registration information. Operation personnel worked together to investigate and locate sex offenders, conduct research, develop investigative leads for partner agencies, and update the local sex offender registries across Northern Arizona.

Investigations during this operation focused on a variety of state and federal sex offender registration requirements. State cases primarily involved requirements to report address changes, complete annual registration and provide accurate information on registration forms. Federal cases focused on requirements to register after moving from one state to another and the requirement to register 21 days prior to any intended international travel.

The ability to partner the District of Arizona's Sex Offender Investigations Branch with federal, state, local and tribal partners represents the United States Marshals Service's commitment to the safety of children in communities across the state and country.

A critical mission of the U.S. Marshals Service is enforcement of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. The U.S. Marshals Service is committed to assisting local and state law enforcement with investigating and apprehending sex offenders who are not in compliance with their registration and fugitive sex offenders. The U.S. Marshals Service led Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force is responsible for more than 1748 arrests in the last year.