Fugitive wanted in Gilbert child molestation case arrested in Mexico

PHOENIX — A 61-year-old Gilbert man is in custody again after his failure to appear at hearing for his child molestation case triggered a cross-country investigation, authorities announced Thursday.

Randall Todd Arrington, was arrested in Mexico on Monday, according to the Gilbert Police Department.

He had allegedly sold his East Valley home and fled across the border with the funds.

Why did the Gilbert man flee the country?

Arrington was first arrested in September 2023.

He faced 10 counts of sexual conduct with a minor, five counts of child molestation, two counts of sexual abuse and one count of indecent exposure, Gilbert Police said.

He was booked into the custody of the Maricopa County Sherriff’s Office. Eventually he was freed as the investigation continued.

When he failed to show up for his October 2024 court date, Gilbert PD teamed up with the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force in Arizona to track him down.

Arrington allegedly cut his court-ordered ankle monitor, sold his home and fled to Mexico with the money, police said.

The USMS Mexico Investigative Liaison Team, which is made up of deputies trained to track down fugitives who flee from the U.S., began tracking him down.

Information from the U.S. Marshals helped Mexican law enforcement arrest Arrington. Mexican immigration officials then brought him to the Nogales point of entry.

Arrington then was turned over to the Gilbert Police Department.

Van Bayless, the U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona, said seizing fugitives charged with crimes against minors is a top priority.

“The tireless work and cooperation between local, federal and international law enforcement agencies ensured those who violate the trust of children are held responsible for their action,” Bayless said in a Thursday news release.

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