CAPTURED: U.S. Marshals arrest convicted sex offender who who brutally beat infant

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ORANGE COUNTY, CA -- 02.03.17

The U.S. Marshals Sex Offender Investigations Branch in Seattle says Level III sex offender Michael Copeland is in custody.  U.S Marshals in Central California and local law enforcement authorities arrested Copeland on his outstanding Washington Dept. of Corrections warrant for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in King County. Copeland was living in a large homeless encampment along the river under State Route 57 in Orange County.

WANTED IN KING COUNTY --


Sex Offender Michael Copeland is wanted by the Department of Corrections in King County after violating the terms of his release from prison.  He was convicted and served time for putting his infant son in the hospital. He was also convicted of child molestation when he was a juvenile. Officers say Copeland is a violent gang member  who goes by the street name ‘Cherry.’

According to official records, he assaulted his 3 and a half month old son over a period of several days in 2004 including:


    Copeland told officers he was angry because his son was crying and he hoped the abuse would make him stop.

    His child molestation conviction came two years before he became an unfit father.

    Now, he's wanted by the Department of corrections for failing to register as a sex offender and for breaking probation.

    Officers think he may be in California. That's t-shirt weather there where all the ink he's got on his arms and hands should be exposed for someone to spot.



    His rap sheet is massive and so is the need to get this guy back into custody.

    If you know where he’s hiding tonight, call an anonymous tip into:
    CRIME STOPPERS: 1-800-222-TIPS

    You must call the Crime Stoppers hotline with your tip to be eligible to receive a cash reward for information leading to a fugitive’s arrest.