2 fugitives wanted in separate cases for sexual assault of a minor arrested in Arizona
Feb 7, 2022, 8:00 PM
Robert Eugene Hazen and Necmettin Kont (U.S. Marshals Service Photos)
(U.S. Marshals Service Photos)
PHOENIX — Two men wanted in separate cases for sexual assault of a minor were arrested in Arizona last week, the U.S. Marshals Service announced.
Robert Eugene Hazen, 46, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Tucson on Tuesday, while 37-year-old Necmettin Kont was taken into custody in Kingman on Wednesday.
The Pennsylvania State Police wanted Hazen on 14 sexual offense charges including rape and sexual assault on two juvenile victims under the age of 16, authorities said, and Kont was wanted out of West Virginia for allegedly sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 16.
Both men were taken into custody in the counties where they were arrested and awaited extradition back to their respective states, the U.S. Marshals Service said in press releases.
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“Many sex offenders who prey on children believe when they cross state lines they are free from arrest and prosecution,” District of Arizona U.S. Marshal David Gonzales said in a release. “The arrest of Robert Hazen in Tucson on (Tuesday) clearly demonstrates that this is definitely not the case.”
Hazen’s previous convictions span 25 years and include flight from law enforcement, bank robbery, theft, assault and drug possession, authorities said.
Gonzales also commended the Morgantown, West Virginia, Police Department and the Deputy U.S. Marshals based in Flagstaff for the arrest of Kont to face charges related to “the brutal sexual assault of the minor child.”
The arrest warrant for Kont was issued on Jan. 31, while the arrest warrant for Hazen was issued on Nov. 29.
Task Force members to arrest Hazen used surveillance after developing information the man was near Balboa Avenue and West Alturas Street, authorities said, and covertly followed the fugitive to Walmart where he was taken into custody without incident after exiting the store.
Surveillance was also used in the arrest of Kont after it was determined he was possibly residing in Kingman, with authorities observing a known associate of the man going to a residence where Kont was believed to be staying at.
Kont was taken into custody at the house without incident, authorities said.
