News Banner

For Immediate Release

 Contact:
December 23, 2008 Matt Hershey, Deputy U.S. Marshal
Public Affairs Officer (602) 920-4841

U.S. Marshals Arrest Alleged Child Rapist from Oklahoma

Phoenix, AZ – This morning, Deputy U.S. Marshals arrested Edward Baughman, 56, in Mesa, AZ. In October 2008 a warrant was issued in Oklahoma City for the arrest of Edward Baughman for Rape. Shortly after being contacted by Oklahoma authorities regarding the incident Edward Baughman fled Oklahoma and his run from the law spanned three states in his attempt to avoid capture.

It is alleged that Baughman repeatedly raped a 12 year-old girl, impregnating her. After the allegations were made Baughman was contacted by authorities in Oklahoma, after initially cooperating with law enforcement Baughman subsequently fled. In November 2008 the Oklahoma City Metro Fugitive Task Force began hunting for Baughman and recently developed information that indicated that Baughman was residing in the Phoenix area.

This morning Baughman’s run from the law ended when Deputy U.S. Marshals captured him in a residence in the 8600 block of E. Main St in Mesa, AZ. Baughman was arrested without incident and is currently awaiting extradition back to Oklahoma.

United States Marshal David Gonzales praised the work of Deputies and law enforcement officers adding, “The United States Marshals Service, with our state and local partners, will not be deterred by the time of year in our pursuit of those who harm our children.”

The full-time federal, state, and local agencies that comprise the Arizona WANTED Task Force (Phoenix Metro Division) include: U.S. Marshals Service; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Arizona Department of Public Safety; Maricopa County Adult Probation Office; Mesa Police Department; Surprise Police Department; Phoenix Police Department; El Mirage Police Department and several part-time state and local law enforcement agencies.

The U.S. Marshals Service is the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency. Annually, U.S. Marshals arrest more than 50 percent of all federal fugitives and serve more federal warrants than all other federal agencies combined. For more information on other USMS Top 15 fugitives and USMS Major Cases, go to www.usmarshals.gov.