Gilbert child molestation suspect on the run after missing hearing ahead of trial

GILBERT, AZ (AZFamily) — Authorities are searching for a child abuse suspect on the run who failed to show up for a court hearing Monday.

Randall Arrington is facing many counts of sexual conduct and abuse with a minor, and his family is now fearful for their safety.

We now know both the U.S. Marshal’s Service and Gilbert Police are actively searching for Randy Arrington.

He was out on bond as he waited for his child sex abuse trial to begin early next year. Now, a close family friend says the fugitive could be anywhere.

September 2023 – Arrington was arrested and charged with more than a dozen counts of sex abuse and child molestation. It was a shock to all who knew him - including his wife at the time.

“I think no one could really believe it,” the family friend said. “She told him, ‘Get out of this house. You are never coming back.”

This close family friend, who asked to remain anonymous, said when these accusations were brought up by the victim years later, Arrington admitted to the years of abuse.

Court documents show he confessed and said “something came over me that did that.”

“He was just the perfect husband, the perfect family man. He was, you know, church-going, executive at Empire, just really seemed like the perfect father, the perfect family,” the friend recalled of the person they all thought they knew.

Arrington was supposed to be in court on Monday for a hearing ahead of his upcoming trial, but the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office confirmed he was a no show. That’s when the victim’s family said they got a concerning notification.

“His ankle bracelet had been cut and that he was on the run,” the friend said.

Gilbert Police confirmed both their agency and the U.S. Marshals are actively searching for Arrington and have a warrant out for his arrest, but the family friend believes with Arrington’s financial means and intelligence, he could be anywhere.

“He’s a very avid outdoorsman, you know, he’s always been a gun fanatic, you know, he’s a world traveler,” the friend said.

This close friend said once Arrington was out on bond, he asked a judge to move to Show Low rather than stay in Maricopa County. That request was denied.

The friend said they believe that was intentional to get somewhere remote.

“We’ve always thought that was to make that escape plan”,” the friend said. “His family, they’re concerned for their safety.”

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said the judge will now need to decide whether the case will continue to trial or not.

Randy Arrington is described as tall and thin, with a tattoo sleeve. If you see him, please call Gilbert Police or the U.S. Marshals Service.

See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it.

Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description.

Copyright 2024 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.