In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that then 44-year-old Gary Lee Blevins—of Huntington, West Virginia—was arrested following a month-long federal fugitive hunt. The investigation established that Blevins was wanted for sexual assault in the first degree and sexual abuse, stemming from allegations involving a 6-year-old child between 2022 and 2023. The prosecution reported that U.S. Marshals tracked Blevins across state lines, eventually taking him into custody on 9 March 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas, after he attempted to evade the statutory requirements of the West Virginia judicial system.
The investigation established that another high-profile target, then 36-year-old Thomas Yancy—also of Huntington, West Virginia—was apprehended during the same crackdown. The prosecution reported that Yancy fled West Virginia to avoid charges of sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl. He was located and arrested on 11 March 2026, in New Lexington, Ohio. Both men were captured as part of Operation Spring Sweep, a multi-agency initiative led by U.S. Marshal Mark Waggamon and U.S. Attorney Moore Capito to net non-compliant predators.
Operation Spring Sweep and Digital Monitoring
The court reported that the operation resulted in 72 total arrests, including 18 convicted sex offenders who had failed to register their addresses, employment, or digital devices. The investigation established that non-compliant offenders frequently use unregistered cell phones to access apps like Roblox, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook to groom and solicit minors. The prosecution reported that during the sweep, which concluded on 4 April 2026, law enforcement also seized eight firearms and significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Moore Capito, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, addressed the media outside the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston, West Virginia, on 15 April 2026. He stated that the operation targeted predators who “think the rules don’t apply to them” and emphasised that West Virginia is leading the country in being tough on crimes against the most vulnerable. For their actions in Huntington, West Virginia and the nature of the serial child abuse reported, Blevins and Yancy now face extensive federal and state prosecution.
Status and Statutory Requirements
Based on the judicial and law enforcement actions in 2026:
- Legal Status: ARRESTED/CHARGED (Blevins: 1st Degree Sexual Assault/Abuse; Yancy: Sexual Abuse of a 13-year-old).
- Custodial Status: IN CUSTODY (Awaiting trial following interstate extradition).
- Operation Results: 72 arrests; 18 for failure to register; 12 for active sex crimes.
- Seizures: 488.29g Fentanyl; 114.36g Methamphetamine; 8 Firearms; $36,481 cash.
- DBS Status (UK Equivalent): Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite and permanent ban from any regulated activity with minors).
- Judicial Oversight: Southern District of West Virginia; U.S. Marshals Service; West Virginia State Police.
- Criminal Record: Blevins targeted a 6-year-old and fled to Texas; Yancy targeted a 13-year-old and fled to Ohio; Both failed to maintain registration compliance; Captured in a major federal sweep.
- Origin: Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Blevins and Yancy are managed as high-risk fugitives under the statutory requirements of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. Due to the nature of their behaviour—specifically their “calculated” flight from West Virginia to avoid prosecution for child abuse—they are priorities for the most intensive custodial management. Authorities reported that Operation Spring Sweep ensures that predators who use digital platforms like Roblox to target children are permanently identified and removed from the community.
As registered sex offenders, their details are permanently logged on the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW). Authorities state that their behaviour identifies individuals who prioritised their own gratification and evasion of the law over the safety and human rights of children. Any failure by these individuals to adhere to their future notification requirements in Huntington, West Virginia or elsewhere will result in immediate federal intervention to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from men who have violated the principles of human decency.
QUESTION – Given that the U.S. Marshals highlighted “Roblox” as a primary tool for soliciting children, do you believe that gaming platforms should legally be required to share the real-time GPS coordinates of any user who is a registered sex offender with local law enforcement?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.