Paul Jenkins, a registered sex offender, was arrested after he was caught with underage teen following an “online communication contact,” according to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. Jenkins was arrested for several charges including Failure to Provide/Disclose several On-line social media accounts as required for registered sex offenders.
He remains in the Camp Verde Detention Center and is held without bond.
On January 4, 2019, the Prescott Police Department asked Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) deputies to check an address in Prescott Valley for a runaway teen. Jenkins was contacted at the door and allowed deputies to check the house. The runaway was eventually found inside the home hiding in a closet. During the course of the investigation and follow-up by YCSO detectives, it was learned the runaway female set up an online account on a service called ‘Skout’ using a fake name and photo while also providing false identification. Her online description indicated she was 21 years old with an extensive educational background.
Jenkins contacted the runaway and she agreed to meet in a Prescott Valley parking lot and he gave her a ride to his home. They engaged in sexual conduct until deputies arrived. Throughout the interview with Jenkins, he claimed learning she was underage only when deputies told him at the door.