13 of Iowa’s Most Wanted Sex Offenders Arrested

A lot of times, it seems like there's a never-ending cycle of news that is constantly negative. Between political division, pollution/climate change, terrorism, etc., news networks can always find something negative to talk about.

Finally, we've got a victory for the good guys.

In an operation put together by the U.S. Marshals Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force, 13 fugitive sex offenders in the state were located and arrested.

This is what Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Phil Hartung told KCRG:

Much of the success of this operation can be attributed to the vigilant efforts of our community members. Throughout this operation, tips were received through the Iowa Sex Offender Registry’s tipline and through the United State Marshals tipline.

Iowa Department of Public Safety Special Agent in Charge J. Hunter Bellon added this when speaking with KWWL:

The relationship between the United States Marshal’s Service and the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Sex Offender Registry is an invaluable one. The expertise the USMS provides regarding fugitive apprehension, coupled with the local knowledge and investigative skill of our Special Agents, Sheriff’s Deputies, and Police Officers creates a very strong and effective law enforcement resource. The work these individuals put in on a daily basis along with the support of our communities, truly makes Iowa a safer place.

KWWL added that "Seven of the 13 arrested were previously convicted for crimes against children younger than 13-year-old. All of the suspects had not complied with Iowa's Sex Offender Registry laws."

KCRG continued as well, saying that the arrests led to "the recovery of two firearms, multiple rounds of ammunition, narcotics, and three new criminal cases."

Though the identities of the 13 individuals haven't been released to the public, you can find the entire list of sex offenders in the state of Iowa on the Iowa Sex Offender Registry website. There are currently 6,549 registered sex offenders in the state with  49 remaining on the state's 'Most Wanted' list.

If you or anyone you know has any tips to offer law enforcement regarding sex offenders, you can go to the tipline here.