FBI San Diego Division - Press Releases -

Daniel R. Dzwilewski, Special Agent in Charge, San Diego Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announces the arrest of William George Barney, born April 27, 1950.

Barney, a convicted sex offender was sought for allegedly committing sex acts upon a twelve-year-old boy in Las Vegas, Nevada from 1994 through 2000.

Barney was charged with ten counts of lewdness with a minor, and a state warrant was issued for his arrest on April 10, 2000, by the Justice Court, Las Vegas Township in ClarkCounty, Nevada. On November 29, 2000, a federal arrest warrant was issued by the U. S. District Court, District of Nevada, after Barney was charged with Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution. The case was initiated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Anonymous tips led the investigation to San Diego, where it was subsequently determined Barney had fled to Mexico. Liaison with Baja California Ministerial Police and Mexican Immigration located Barney in Ensenada, this morning.

Barney had been profiled on the Oprah Winfrey television show and calls received from the telecast helped investigators locate Barney.

Barney was processed by Mexican Immigration and released to the United States late this afternoon. It is expected Barney will be extradited to Nevada to face charges.

Fugitive Profiled on Oprah Winfrey Show Located in Mexico