US Marshals CAPTURE tattoo-covered sex offender in D.C. after extensive media coverage

PETERSBURG, Va. -- US Marshals on Wednesday, February 8th CAPTURED a tattoo-covered sex offender who failed to self-report to a transitional center in Virginia after his release from prison earlier this month, according to WTVR.

After extensive media coverage, Marshals received "numerous" tips throughout the day Wednesday, with several reported sightings of Matthew Slager in Washington D.C.

Marshals followed up on tips, and worked with the Metropolitan Police Department to canvass D.C. in an effort to locate Stager.


On Wednesday afternoon, Stager was observed walking down the street near the D.C. Superior Court by two Metropolitan Police Department officers, who had been made aware that Stager was believed to be in D.C.

He was taken into custody without incident.

Stager is currently in the custody of US Marshals in Washington D.C., pending transfer to Richmond, Virginia, to face the escape charge.


44-year-old Stager was released from the Federal Correctional Complex in Virginia on February 2nd. He was given a one-day furlough to travel to Austin, Texas and signed a form acknowledging that he was he was still in the custody of the bureau of prisons until his projected release date in July.

His signature acknowledged that he could be charged with escape should he fail to report to the Austin Transitional House as directed.  He was last seen at the Richmond International Airport on February 2nd after failing to make his scheduled flight to Austin as required.

Stager is a convicted sex offender and has a history of drug abuse and mental health concerns, according to U.S. Marshals. He was convicted in NC in 1999 of indecent liberties with a minor and was required to register as a sex offender for life.