SAN ANTONIO — A routine traffic stop in Bexar County ultimately led authorities to an 82-year-old man who they say had been wanted in Arizona for nearly 20 years.
Jesus Ruben Rodriguez, who authorities say later acknowledged his real name is Jesse Rodriguez, is wanted in Maricopa County, Arizona, on felony charges of sexual conduct with a minor and child molestation.
The case began Aug. 12 when a Bexar County Precinct 2 deputy pulled Rodriguez over for a traffic violation. During the stop, the deputy received an alert indicating Rodriguez could be someone wanted in Arizona.
There was a problem, however. Some of Rodriguez’s identifying information did not match the information Arizona authorities had on file.
When questioned, Rodriguez acknowledged that he had lived in Arizona around the time of the alleged crimes and had lived in a trailer park, but denied being involved in any criminal activity.
Arizona authorities could not confirm at the time that Rodriguez was the person they were looking for, so he was given a written warning for the traffic violation and allowed to leave.
But the deputy continued looking into the possible match and contacted officials in Maricopa County for more information.
The break in the case came Sept. 3, when Arizona authorities provided additional information, including an alias used by the person they were searching for. Investigators said that information confirmed Rodriguez was the wanted man.
Deputies went to Rodriguez’s home the following day and found him outside doing yard work. He was arrested without incident.
Authorities said Rodriguez then acknowledged that his real name was Jesse Rodriguez and that he knew about the Arizona warrant. He also told deputies he had been a fugitive for nearly 20 years.
Rodriguez was taken to the Bexar County Jail and is expected to be returned to Arizona, where he faces the sexual conduct with a minor and child molestation charges.