Sex Offender On Run With 14-Year-Old Niece Arrested In Texas

Adrianna Iwasinski, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – A sex offender and his 14-year-old niece who've been on the run since April 6 were taken into custody in Texas Tuesday.

Matthew Mallory and his niece Ariel Mallory had been on the run since April 6, but despite being spotted at several stores near San Antonio, Texas, they continued to elude authorities over the weekend.

Authorities said Matthew Mallory was arrested without incident and Ariel is OK and was taken into custody. They were found in Bexar County, Texas, by county officials and U.S. Marshals. The OSBI case agent and OSBI pilot flew to San Antonio Tuesday night to interview them.

U.S. Marshals found Mallory's red Ford Taurus in a wooded area by the San Antonio River Monday. And surveillance video showed the two walking into a San Antonio Walmart on Sunday as well as a nearby Walgreens looking for makeup.

"We're hoping we've got him trapped in San Antonio right now, and that he's not going to go anywhere else," said Kingfisher County Sheriff Dennis Banther before he was caught. "We're afraid for her safety, running out of money, anyone with his propensity for violence could snap at any time."

Ariel's brother and mother were praying for police to find her and bring her home safely.

"I think she went willingly, 'cause they talked about it for a while. The cops, they never would listen. I guess now they will," said Ariel's brother Josh Mallory.

He said he was scared for sister's safety and he knew Matthew to be very mean. He said his sister is a very trusting, open person who bonded with Matthew after her mother broke up with Matthew's brother and moved in with him.

Josh said none of the family had any contact with them.

"I would like for the public to say a prayer for the police officers to find her, to guide her, comfort her and just to make sure she is found and that she is ok," said Ariel's mother Angela Tuszynski. "I'm relying on police and God to find her and bring her home…Pray every single day, every minute. That's all I have right now is my faith."

The OSBI is looking into the possible sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 16 in the Mallory home. The OSBI said the D.A.'s office asked them to step in several weeks ago and the investigation is still open and active, but so far no one has been arrested or charged.

Court papers filed with the Kingfisher County Courthouse also reveal both Matthew and Ariel left a note behind giving Ariel's mother custody of Matthew's seven-year-old daughter and an infant Ariel gave birth to in February.

More:

• Sex Offender, Niece Captured By Surveillance Cameras In Texas
• Search Continues For Sex Offender On The Run With 14-Year-Old Niece