Feds arrest man in Youngstown on charges of voyeurism in Arizona

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

U.S. marshals here arrested a man wanted out of Arizona on multiple charges of sex offenses, including voyeurism, after he tried to befriend officials at the Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown.

The U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested James Petty, 41, Friday night at the Comfort Inn on Clarkins Drive in Austintown after breaking down the door to his room to gain entrance.

The man first became known to authorities after showing up at the Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown, 2105 Oak Hill Ave., on Wednesday night, offering to do charity remodeling work. As part of that offer, he also wrote a $10,000 donation check to the club on the spot.

The surprising generosity was suspicious to club officials, who immediately began researching before doing anything with the check or his work offer, explained club Executive Director Germaine McAlpine.

With the help of the local Better Business Bureau, they found recent work complaints from customers in Arizona. One of those customers listed his email address seeking others who had poor remodeling service. Club officials emailed that person, who alluded to the more-serious sex allegations and that Petty was wanted.

Club staff immediately notified authorities, who worked with the task force to identify Petty.

Officials believe he was trying to find a vulnerable place where he would have access to kids.

The club provided surveillance footage of the man and his vehicle, and marshals and authorities started searching local hotels and motels for the vehicle and located it within an hour. The hotel staff confirmed Petty was staying there, and officers found him in his room and placed him in custody.

During the search of his room, the task force and Austintown officers discovered and seized numerous items believed to be used for credit-card fraud purposes.

Petty was transported to the Mahoning County jail, where he is being held without bond on a charge of voyeurism, based on the warrants from the Pima County, Ariz., sheriff.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott credited the staff of the Boys & Girls Club for Petty’s apprehension.

They “used their training and experience to determine that Petty was a threat to the children, and they did not hesitate to contact authorities,” he said, adding, “Their awareness, combined with the immediate response by the fugitive task force, made this fugitive’s time on the run come to an end.”

His visit at the club was brief and only with McAlpine. He was never in contact with children.

The task force asks anyone with information concerning any wanted fugitive to contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833). You also may anonymously text in a tip by texting the keyword “WANTED” and your tip to TIP411 (847411), or submit a tip online at http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/oh-n/index.html.

Monetary rewards are available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.