Spokane, WA — A fugitive wanted on child sex crime charges in Iowa was arrested Wednesday near downtown Spokane, prompting a multi-agency law enforcement response.
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Obet Jally was located and taken into custody April 1 near the intersection of West Second Avenue and South Monroe Street. Authorities said Jally is a Spokane County man wanted in Dubuque County, Iowa, on multiple felony charges.
Officials stated a warrant was issued March 27, alleging sexual exploitation of a minor, two counts of enticement of a minor under 16, and prostitution-related offenses. Bail in the case was set at $100,000, according to court records.
The arrest was carried out by the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol and the Washington State Department of Corrections’ Community Response Unit.
Jally has been booked into the Spokane County Jail and is awaiting further court proceedings and extradition to Iowa, authorities said.
U.S. Marshal Craig Thayer said the agency prioritizes locating fugitives accused of crimes involving children and works with regional partners to ensure they are apprehended and returned to face charges.
The Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force includes federal, state, and local officers from Washington, Oregon, and Alaska and focuses on locating and arresting high-priority fugitives.
Anyone with information related to fugitive cases is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or submit tips online.
The arrest may affect downtown commuters near the Monroe Street corridor where law enforcement activity occurred.
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