Executive Summary
- The US Marshals Service is seeking three suspects in Northern Ohio described as fugitive sex offenders.
- Suspects David Dowd, Shannon Riley, and Ernest Scales were last located in Cleveland.
- Charges include failure to register as sex offenders and active warrants for rape and sexual battery.
- A reward is offered for information; tipsters should contact the task force at 1-866-492-6833.
TOLEDO, Ohio — The U.S. Marshals’ Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force has issued a public appeal for assistance in locating three suspects described as “fugitive sex offenders” currently wanted by various law enforcement agencies in the region.
According to a press release from the task force, authorities are searching for David Dowd, Shannon Riley, and Ernest Scales. The suspects are wanted for alleged violations including failure to comply with address registration laws and active warrants for sexually oriented crimes. Officials confirmed that the last known location for all three individuals was Cleveland.
David Dowd, 36, is sought for failing to register his address. Authorities noted that he was originally charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Dowd is described as 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighing 163 pounds.
Shannon Riley, 55, is also wanted for failing to register his address following an original charge of rape, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. Riley is described as 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds.
Ernest Scales, 55, is wanted on active charges of rape, sexual battery, and gross sexual imposition. He is described by law enforcement as 6 feet tall and weighing 250 pounds. Authorities are offering a reward for information leading to the capture of these suspects.
Investigative Outlook and Legal Context
The mobilization of the Violent Fugitive Task Force highlights the priority federal and local agencies place on tracking non-compliant sex offenders and those accused of violent sexual felonies. The task force relies on community intelligence to locate fugitives who may be actively evading law enforcement within the Cleveland area. Citizens with information are urged to contact the task force directly at 1-866-492-6833 and are advised against engaging the suspects personally. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
