Benjamin Hollins, a convicted sex offender, attempted to fake his own death in order to avoid registering as a sex offender in Arizona. The 50-year-old was arrested after having a woman falsely claim he jumped from the Roosevelt Bridge near the dam. This led to the wastage of resources in a search for his body, as he was later found to still be alive. Hollins had been convicted in California over 20 years ago and was required to register annually as a sex offender due to a 2018 molestation case in Arizona. Following the false report of his death, his sex offender status lapsed.
Court records indicate that Hollins pleaded guilty in 2018 to a kidnapping-related charge as part of a plea agreement, with a sexual abuse count being dismissed. Records show previous guilty dispositions for failing to register as a sex offender in Pinal County in 2019 and 2022 related to a name or address change. After faking his death, Hollins was found living under an assumed name in Mesa, Maricopa County, which led to his arrest by a Pinal County task force. He is currently being held at the Pinal County jail, with no attorney listed for him in court records and unsuccessful attempts to contact him.
Sheriff Mark Lamb expressed frustration over the wasted resources spent searching for Hollins’ body after the false report of his death. The sheriff’s office confirmed that Hollins’ attempt to avoid registering as a sex offender was unsuccessful, as he was later located living under an assumed name. Hollins’ actions not only led to his arrest but also highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring and tracking convicted sex offenders who attempt to evade registration requirements. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent measures in place to ensure the safety and accountability of convicted sex offenders in the community.
The incident involving Benjamin Hollins underscores the lengths to which some convicted sex offenders may go to avoid their legal obligations. By faking his own death, Hollins attempted to evade the requirement to register as a sex offender, only to be apprehended by law enforcement. The case also sheds light on the complexities of tracking and monitoring sex offenders, especially when they attempt to live under assumed identities. The arrest of Hollins serves as a warning to others who may try to skirt the law and emphasizes the determination of law enforcement to hold individuals accountable for their actions.
The legal repercussions faced by Benjamin Hollins, including his arrest and the subsequent reinstatement of his sex offender status, highlight the serious consequences of attempting to evade registration requirements. The case serves as a cautionary tale for other convicted sex offenders who may consider similar actions in the future. Law enforcement authorities have successfully identified and apprehended Hollins, demonstrating their commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of the community. The arrest of Hollins sends a strong message that attempts to avoid legal obligations will not go unpunished, emphasizing the importance of compliance with sex offender registration laws.
In conclusion, Benjamin Hollins’ attempt to fake his own death in order to avoid registering as a sex offender ultimately proved unsuccessful. The resources wasted in the search for his body following the false report of his death served as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in monitoring and tracking convicted sex offenders. The arrest of Hollins and the legal repercussions he now faces underscore the importance of strict compliance with sex offender registration requirements and the determination of law enforcement to hold individuals accountable for their actions. The case of Benjamin Hollins serves as a cautionary tale for others who may try to evade their legal obligations, emphasizing the consequences of attempting to circumvent the law.
