Wanted Sex Offender Surrenders

COLORADO SPRINGS – One of El Paso County’s worst sex offenders surrenders.

40-year-old Richard Chavez turned himself into authoritiesafter NEWSCHANNEL 13, teaming up with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, profiled him in a week-long special report.

Chavez pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual assault with physical force back in 1997. He served his time in jail, but then two years into his probation, went on the run – failing to register as a sex offender. His class-three felony required him to register every three months.

Detectives hadn’t heard of him since September of 2007.

Now, the one-time fugitive is free on $16,000 bond. Here’s how it breaks down: $1,000 for failing to register as a sex offender, $2,000 for vehicular eluding/obstruction/reckless driving, $2,000 for 3rd degree assault/failure to comply warrant, $5,000 for 3rd degree assault and harassment, and $6,000 for criminal mischief and harassment.

Two problems: upon booking in, he did not give authorities an address. Chavez also de-registered with the county, and registered with the city of Colorado Springs. Nowhere on the CSPD website can Chavez be found.