On January 19th, 2022, a sex offender survivalist, David Whitaker, took a plea deal agreed which resulted in a sentence of 25 years in prison with 310 days credit for time served.
According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, on November 28th, 2020, the 42-year-old Whitaker of Red Rock was reported to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office for having sexual contact with a 13-year-old female victim.
While deputies were en-route to the suspect’s home, Whitaker left the residence and walked into the desert armed with a handgun. Whitaker was a known “survivalist” and had a high likelihood of success living “off the grid” without detection.
Whitaker was found and arrested on March 15th, 2021 with the help of DPS Troopers, 107 days since he fled into the desert.
Whitaker was discovered living in a shack he had constructed complete with a bed and a roof. He survived by catching fish out of a nearby canal, and hunting javelina and rabbit.
“To those who commit crimes and believe the repercussions can be avoided, as your Sheriff, know what we will not give up on bringing you to justice,” said Sheriff Mark Lamb.