Phoenix HSI agents arrest 2 alleged sexual predators

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Special agents from the Phoenix office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), arrested two alleged child sexual predators and identified two victims under the age of 16 years old late last month. Both defendants face multiple counts of state child sexual exploitation and molestation.

Jerome Evard, 32, of Phoenix was arrested by HSI special agents April 26, based on a referral from the HSI Ottawa office who detected explicit sexual conversations in a parent control application downloaded on two smart phones. HSI Phoenix quickly determined the location and executed a state search warrant at Evard’s residence. Based on the interview and images of sexual assault of a minor found on his electronic devices, special agents arrested Evard. At the time of the arrest, Evard disclosed another adult male had a sexual relationship with the minor. He was booked into the Maricopa County Jail.

Following the tip of an additional alleged child predator, HSI special agents executed a search warrant April 29, which subsequently lead to the arrest of Jarrod Harrington, 32, of Mesa, Arizona, and the discovery of another child victim. Harrington was arrested on state charges of sexual conduct with a minor and molestation. Harrington was booked into the Maricopa County Jail.

The two minor victims have been identified and are currently receiving the appropriate medical and mental care by licensed professionals.

Both cases are being prosecuted by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Like all defendants, those accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423 or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.

HSI is a directorate and the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel, and finance move. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 employees consists of more than 7,100 Special Agents assigned to 220 cities throughout the United States, and 80 overseas locations in 53 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.