Schoolyard Fight Leads To A Shocking Confession

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Vitasek wore his hair like this in Arizona, but police say it could be shorter and a different color now.

In January 2005, a Mesa, Ariz. detective was called to a middle school to speak to a student who was being teased mercilessly. Normally, the school's principal wouldn't call law enforcement to settle schoolyard disputes, but this incident was different. Police say the boy divulged that he had been sexually molested by his mother's boyfriend -- Arthur Vitasek. When Detective Robert Rash contacted the boy's mother, she was stunned by the news, and agreed to keep the boy away from Vitasek. 

But two days later, when Detective Rash tried to contact the boy to follow up on the case, he says he discovered that Vitasek, the child and two of his friends had vanished. Police quickly issued an AMBER Alert, and the children were all located. They all told police that Vitasek had molested them.

As police investigated, they say they found probable cause to charge Vitasek with some 30 counts of abuse and molestation. Authorities say they found evidence that Vitasek has been molesting boys since 1990. Police think that there are other unknown victims who haven't come forward. 

Staying Ahead Of The Law

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Cops believe that this is Arthur Vitasek's natural hair color.

Detective Rash says Vitasek manipulates his victims in a number of ways. He targets boys being raised by single mothers and becomes close to the family -- often acting like a boyfriend, uncle or best friend. Police say he even helps to pay household expenses. Then, Rash says, Vitasek begins giving his targets gifts and taking them on trips to places like amusement parks. Along the way, the officer says, Vitasek brainwashes the boys into believing that his sexual behavior with them is normal. Cops believe that Vitasek molests his victims multiple times and stays in contact with them for long periods.  And police believe that Vitasek has even groomed boys to recruit their friends for him.

Cops say one of the main reasons why Vitasek hasn't been put behind bars is his ability to cover his tracks. He's worked as a "skip tracer," tracking down people who owe money to collection agencies, and knows all the tricks of hiding. Police note that he rarely leaves a paper trail and has correspondence sent to post office boxes.   

Police also believe that Vitasek may have stolen someone's identity and may also be using an extensive network of friends across the country to leave false clues to keep police off his trail. 

Vitasek's Habits Are Best Clues

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Police say Vitasek dresses stylishly, yet casually, and is concerned with looking neat and clean.

Although he hasn't left a trail since he hit the road, Arthur Vitasek has many traits and habits that could help distinguish him.

Police say Vitasek is fastidious about his appearance. During his time in Phoenix, he wore his hair bleached and parted down the middle in a bowl cut, but cops believe it may now be shorter and colored differently. He's an experienced cook and mechanic, and may be working in the restaurant industry.

Police also learned that Vitasek avoids smoking and drinking and loves playing video poker. Police say that when he lived in Las Vegas, he often gambled at casinos, but preferred gambling at gas stations where he thought his odds were better. 

Vitasek has expensive hobbies like scuba diving, and he may have taken flying lessons in order to gain a pilot's license. He also loves automobiles, particularly sports cars and classic cars. Police say he keeps his own vehicles in spotless condition. 

In addition to Arizona and Las Vegas, Vitasek has also lived in Shreveport, La., Los Angeles, eastern Texas, Oklahoma and New York. 

Cops: Accused Child Predator's Run Is Over