Gilbert child abuse suspect confirmed on the run after missing pre-trial hearing

GILBERT, AZ (AZfamily) — Authorities are searching for a fugitive child abuse suspect who did not show up for a hearing Monday.

Randall Arrington He is facing multiple sexual acts and abuse with an underage child and his family now fears for their safety.

We now know that both the U.S. Marshals Service and Gilbert Police are actively searching for Randy Arrington.

He was released on bail while awaiting the start of his child sexual abuse trial early next year.

A close family friend says the fugitive could be anywhere.

September 2023 – Arrington is arrested and charged with more than a dozen counts of sexual abuse and child molestation. This was a shock to everyone who knew him, including his wife at the time.

“I guess no one could really believe it,” family friends said. “He told her, ‘Get out of this house.’ You will never come back again.”

This close family friend, who wished to remain anonymous, said Arrington confessed to years of abuse when the accusations were brought up by the victim years later. Court documents show he confessed and said “something came to me that did this.”

“He was the perfect husband, the perfect family man. “You know, he went to church, he was an executive at Empire, he really seemed like the perfect father, the perfect family,” she recalled of the person they all thought they knew.

Arrington was supposed to be in court for a hearing Monday ahead of his upcoming trial, but the Maricopa County District Attorney’s Office confirmed he did not show up.

That’s when the victim’s family said they received an alarming report. “His wristband had been cut and he was running away,” his friend said.

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

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

This close friend said that after Arrington was released on bail, he asked the judge to move to Show Low rather than stay in Maricopa County. This request was rejected. The friend said they believed it was intentional to get to a remote location.

“We always thought it was about making an escape plan,” the friend said. “Their family fears for their safety.”

The Maricopa County District Attorney’s Office said the judge now must decide whether the case will proceed to trial.

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

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