A Gastonia man accused in a 2018 statutory rape case is finally back in custody after authorities say he disappeared from the area and stayed off the radar for years.
Arnold Ogle, 65, who was wanted in Gastonia on a statutory rape allegation dating to 2018, was arrested in Kansas City on Feb. 10 and is being held in Missouri pending extradition to North Carolina. Authorities say Ogle left the Gastonia area after the alleged incident and remained at large until federal officers located him. The arrest was confirmed by local law enforcement on today.
As reported by WBTV, Ogle was taken into custody by the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force in Kansas City on Feb. 10 and is accused of statutory rape of a child in 2018. WBTV says Gastonia police posted on social media on today that he is being held in Missouri pending extradition back to North Carolina.
How The Arrest Went Down
The arrest was conducted by the Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force, which is the U.S. Marshals Service unit that partners with local law enforcement in the Kansas City area to find fugitives wanted on violent and sex offense warrants. According to the U.S. Marshals Service, those task forces routinely coordinate with city and state partners to locate and apprehend subjects across state lines.
What Happens Next
Ogle remains in custody in Missouri pending extradition to Gaston County, and the timing of his transfer will depend on paperwork and coordination between Missouri authorities and North Carolina prosecutors. Per the City of Gastonia, anyone with information about the case can contact the Gastonia Police Department or CrimeStoppers to provide tips.
Yearslong Gap Before Capture
The allegation dates to 2018 and officers say the suspect left the area after the event, leaving a multi-year gap before his capture. Officials have not released additional investigative details or new charges, WBTV reported.
How To Reach Investigators
Gastonia police asked anyone with information to call nonemergency dispatch at 704-866-3300 or CrimeStoppers at 704-861-8000, according to the city's police page. Local prosecutors will determine formal charging and transport once Missouri officials complete extradition steps.
