Robert Jennings Vandivier, a suspect in sex crimes in Washington, has been apprehended in Arizona.
Authorities have reported that a man who was allegedly involved in a child rape case in Washington back in 2009 has been apprehended in Arizona and is currently in custody.
Authorities in Mesa apprehended Robert Jennings Vandivier, 34, on July 2, following his evasion of law enforcement for more than ten years, as reported by officials from Stevens County, Washington.
An investigation was launched in June 2009 after Washington state detectives received reliable information that Vandivier had impregnated a 14-year-old girl, according to officials.
Officials confirmed Vandivier as the father after DNA lab results were obtained later that year, following the birth of the victim’s child.
Officials stated that a warrant for Vandivier’s arrest was issued in November 2012. However, investigators deemed it as “too late” since the suspect had already vanished by that point.
In June of this year, different agencies in Stevens County collaborated to create a strategy. Thanks to their efforts, members of the U.S. Marshals Service successfully located and arrested Vandivier at an apartment complex in Mesa a month later.
“The allegations involve a 14-year-old child who became pregnant and was charged by our office in 2012. However, the defendant fled the jurisdiction, and the case has remained unresolved for over a decade,” stated Erika George, the Prosecuting Attorney of Stevens County. “The defendant had managed to avoid law enforcement in the past, and I am eager to finally bring justice for these crimes.”
Last Monday, the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service have increased their efforts to apprehend violent fugitives in the county over the past few months, as stated in a social media post.
“For decades, our partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service has been exceptional, particularly in capturing dangerous fugitives who have evaded prosecution,” stated Sheriff Brad Manke of Stevens County. “We are excited to maintain this partnership and successfully conclude similar cases.”
Vandivier has been charged with third-degree child rape as reported by AZ News.