A convicted California youngster molester who vanished earlier than sentencing and remained a fugitive for almost 10 months has lastly been captured, reigniting criticism of a justice system that allowed him to remain free after a jury discovered him responsible.
Carl Cacconie, 52, was arrested Saturday in Scottsdale, Arizona, after authorities tracked him down following a prolonged manhunt.
Members of the FBI Phoenix Desert Hawk Fugitive Process Pressure took him into custody with out incident round 9 a.m.
The arrest comes after Cacconie disappeared whereas awaiting punishment for six counts of lewd acts with a toddler youthful than 14 years previous.
A jury convicted him on July 17, 2025, in El Dorado County, however regardless of the responsible verdict, he remained out of custody on $1 million bail pending sentencing.
As a part of his launch situations, Cacconie surrendered his passport and was fitted with a monitoring system. Authorities mentioned the system stopped transmitting on Aug. 17, 2025.
He was final seen in San Francisco on Aug. 22, 2025.
His sentencing was scheduled for Aug. 25, 2025.
As a substitute of showing in court docket, Cacconie vanished.
The case rapidly grew to become a flashpoint for critics who argue California’s felony justice system offers harmful offenders an excessive amount of freedom even after conviction.
Months after Cacconie fled, the FBI issued a warrant for his arrest on Might 14, 2026.
After one other month of looking, authorities positioned him in Scottsdale, bringing the fugitive case to an finish.
Cacconie is anticipated to seem in court docket in Scottsdale earlier than being extradited to California.
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As soon as returned, he’ll face sentencing for his convictions in addition to further costs related to his disappearance.
“We by no means stopped preventing for justice on this case,” El Dorado County District Legal professional Vern Pierson mentioned.
“We’re deeply grateful to our federal companions, whose collaboration was invaluable in finding and apprehending Cacconie. Whereas nothing can erase the hurt induced, we hope right now’s consequence presents a measure of peace to Cacconie’s survivor and household, understanding that he’ll now lastly be held accountable and sentenced for his crimes.”
The fallout from the case has already reached Sacramento.
State Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) has pointed to the case because the chief cause for laws that will strip judges of discretion in related circumstances.
The proposal would require anybody convicted of extreme youngster intercourse crimes to be jailed instantly after a jury verdict, eliminating post-conviction bail.
Strain has additionally mounted on the judiciary.
In Might 2026, simply weeks earlier than Cacconie’s arrest, the sufferer’s household filed a proper criticism towards Choose Michael McLaughlin with the California Fee on Judicial Efficiency.
