A California man convicted on multiple counts of child molestation was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona, on June 13 after spending 10 months as a fugitive, according to the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities confirmed that the arrest brought an end to a multi-state search effort involving federal and local law enforcement agencies.
Carl Cacconie, 52, had been convicted in July 2025 and was awaiting sentencing when he failed to appear in court and later disappeared while out on bail.
Conviction
Cacconie was found guilty on July 17, 2025, in El Dorado County, California, on six counts of committing lewd acts involving a child under the age of 14. His sentencing was scheduled for August 25, 2025.
Following the conviction, he remained free on $1 million bail under court conditions that included surrendering his passport and wearing an electronic monitoring device.
Disappearance
According to investigators, Cacconie’s electronic monitoring device stopped transmitting on August 17, 2025. He was last confirmed seen in San Francisco on August 22.
On the day of his scheduled sentencing, his family reported him missing. They told authorities he had left behind personal items, including a phone, wallet, and what was described as a suicide note.
After he failed to appear in court, authorities began treating the case as a fugitive matter and escalated monitoring efforts across multiple jurisdictions.
Manhunt
On May 14, 2026, the FBI issued a federal arrest warrant for unlawful flight. The case then became part of a broader interstate manhunt led by the FBI Phoenix Desert Hawk Fugitive Task Force.
Investigators tracked Cacconie over several weeks before locating him in Scottsdale, Arizona. Law enforcement officials said the search involved coordination between federal agents, county deputies, and Border Patrol personnel.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 17, 2025 | Convicted on six counts in California |
| Aug. 25, 2025 | Missed sentencing hearing |
| May 14, 2026 | Federal warrant issued |
| June 13, 2026 | Arrest in Scottsdale |
Arrest
Authorities said Cacconie was arrested around 9 a.m. on June 13 by members of the FBI Phoenix Desert Hawk Fugitive Task Force. He was taken into custody without incident.
Officials did not immediately release details on how he was located, citing the ongoing nature of the case and extradition procedures.
Following his arrest, Cacconie was scheduled for an initial court appearance in Arizona before being transferred back to California for sentencing.
Legal Process
Cacconie is expected to be extradited to California, where he will face sentencing in the original case along with potential additional charges related to his failure to appear and disappearance while under court supervision.
Legal experts note that cases involving bail violations after conviction often result in separate federal or state charges, depending on how and where the defendant is located.
Law Enforcement Response
El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson credited coordinated efforts between local prosecutors and federal agencies for the arrest.
“We never stopped fighting for justice in this case,” Pierson said. “We are deeply grateful to our federal partners, whose collaboration was invaluable in locating and apprehending Cacconie.”
Officials emphasized that while the arrest closes the fugitive phase of the case, sentencing and additional proceedings are still pending.
The arrest of Carl Cacconie in Arizona ends a 10-month search following his disappearance after conviction in California. He now faces sentencing and further legal proceedings once extradited back to the state.
Authorities say the case underscores the challenges of monitoring defendants released on bail after conviction and the coordination required when individuals cross state lines while evading court orders.
FAQs
Where was the fugitive arrested?
He was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona by the FBI task force.
Why was he on the run?
He disappeared after failing to appear for sentencing.
How long was he a fugitive?
He was on the run for about 10 months.
What charges was he convicted of?
Six counts of lewd acts with a child under 14.
What happens next?
He will be extradited to California for sentencing.
