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TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – A former Tucson man has been arrested and is accused of sexually assaulting a teen girl in 2004.
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The Tucson Police Department said John “Lincoln” Sperry was arrested on two counts of sexual conduct with a minor.
The 65-year-old Sperry was taken into custody in Prescott on July 8 and will be extradited to Pima County.
The TPD said the investigation began in 2004, when the Arizona Department of Child Safety reported that Sperry had sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl.
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The TPD started an investigation, but the case was ultimately closed. The TPD did not say why the case was closed in 2004, but did say that it “conducted interviews, served search warrants, and collected evidence.”
Earlier this year, the victim contacted the TPD, and the case was reopened.
“Detectives from the Sexual Assault Cold Case Unit reviewed forensic evidence and conducted follow-up interviews before submitting their findings to the Pima County Attorney’s Office,” the TPD said in a release to 13 News.
The TPD said Sperry has been living in Prescott and working as a licensed clinical social worker specializing in sex addiction treatment.
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Anyone with information on this case is asked to call 911, 88-CRIME, or 520-589-8940.
“(We) recognize that reporting sexual assaults can be difficult, and some individuals may choose to come forward years after an offense occurs,” the TPD said. “Anyone who wishes to report sexual assault is encouraged to contact the Tucson Police Department at 520-837-7485.:
The TPD said the Pima County Attorney’s Office, Prescott Police Department, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service helped with the investigation and arrest of Sperry.
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