U.S. Marshals Hunting Four Sex Offenders in Pittsburgh Area

Pittsburgh, PA - The U.S. Marshals Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPAFTF) and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police completed a 3 month compliance investigation dubbed Operation Three Rivers today. This investigation was initiated to determine if convicted sex offenders in the Pittsburgh region were meeting the conditions required by PA Megan’s Law and the federal Adam Walsh Act. The efforts resulted in 668 compliance checks being completed and 30 arrest warrants being issued.

Included in those arrested was Arthur Linsenbigler, a 45 year old Turtle Creek native, who was charged by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police with a violation of PA Megan’s Law on 07/19/16. The investigation indicated Linsenbigler was in violation of the Adam Walsh Act based upon his relocating back to Western Pennsylvania from Wisconsin and allegedly failing to register as a sex offender with the local authorities. Linsenbigler was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2016 as a result and is awaiting trial in federal court. U.S. Marshal Steven Frank commented: “This case demonstrates the ultimate goal of Operation Three Rivers, which was to combine federal, state and local resources to identify and target fugitive and non-compliant sex offenders.”

Also, the WPAFTF is requesting the public’s assistance in locating four fugitive sex offenders who have been charged by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender and issued warrants for their arrests:

    Brain Lawson, age 42

    Carlos Pagen-Reyes, age 30

    Jason Phelmetta, age 45

    Edward Charles Robinson, age 46

More information about these offenders can be located at www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us.

If you know their whereabouts or have any information, please call the US Marshals Service Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force at 412-422-GRAB (4722) or 412-644-6628 with any tips. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

The U.S. Marshals Service Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force is made up of the following: US Marshals, PA State Police, PA Board of Probation and Parole, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.