Seattle Fugitive Arrested by U.S. Marshals for Skipping Court

SEATTLE, Wash. — A 50-year-old fugitive wanted on felony charges of attempted rape of a child and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes is back in custody after failing to appear for a court hearing earlier this year.

The U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force arrested Phillip Wayne Pitts on Tuesday, Oct. 27, in the 5400 block of Delridge Way SW in Seattle. Task force officers took Pitts into custody without incident and transferred him to the King County Jail.

The King County Sheriff’s Office sought Pitts after he missed a court hearing related to the original charges. On Feb. 23, 2026, the Sheriff’s Office issued a felony warrant carrying a $100,000 bond. The U.S. Marshals then adopted the warrant and joined the search.

Original arrest in 2024

Authorities originally arrested Pitts on April 5, 2024, during a regional operation led by the Washington Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The task force, which the Seattle Police Department hosts, brings together multiple law enforcement agencies to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

After Pitts missed his February court hearing, the King County Sheriff’s Office sought his arrest through the felony warrant.

Multi-state fugitive task force

The U.S. Marshals lead the Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, a partnership that includes federal, state and local law enforcement officers from Washington, Oregon and Alaska.

The task force works to locate and apprehend wanted federal and state fugitives, particularly those considered among the most violent and egregious offenders, and return them to the justice system.

Anyone with information about wanted fugitives can contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, call the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or use the USMS Tips App.

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