Child molestation suspect on Maricopa County’s ‘Most Wanted’ list arrested

PHOENIX — A suspect on Maricopa County’s ‘Most Wanted’ list was arrested in Springfield, Missouri, after nine months on the run, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office announced in a press release on Friday.

Arthur Lien, 60, was wanted on suspicion of six counts of molestation of a child and one count of attempt to commit molestation of a child.

Lien at one point called the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to surrender, but instead decided to turn off his phone, according to the release.

The department was able to track Lien to Missouri through tips from community members and worked with the local FBI office to make the arrest without incident.

“This is exceptional work by the task force and a great example of the importance of working together with our law enforcement partners as well as our community members as peers,” Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone said in the release.

Lien is currently being held in a Missouri jail and will not be able to bond on his Arizona charges.

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