North Texas child sex assault suspect has been on the run for 4 years

DALLAS - The U.S. Marshals are looking for a man who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a minor and then went on the run. They’ve been searching for him for nearly four years.

The U.S. Marshal Service’s North Texas Fugitive Task Force has been searching without ceasing for 31-year-old Joe Tarin since 2021.

"January 2021 was the last time anybody contacted him that we have located," said Officer Andrew Dilbeck with the North Texas Fugitive Task Force.

Timeline: Tarin pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of a child and online solicitation of a minor in December 2020.

He fled in January 2021 while he was out on bond and waiting to be sentenced.

Marshals have been searching across the country, but they’ve seen no hide or hair until now.

Recent images from TikTok suggest Tarin is back or still in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

"This is where he’s from. This is where he would find the means or be able to hide," Officer Dilbeck said. "In this case, someone would have to help him. He wouldn’t be able to [survive three years on the streets] on his own."

How You Can Help: Anyone who spots Tarin or has information about him is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals tip line at 202-307-9700 or usmarshals.gov.

"I need anybody that’s seen him to contact the U.S. Marshals," Dilbeck said.

And for those helping Tarin, Officer Dilbeck has a message.

"You’re hiding someone you know that victimized a child. I mean, that’s not okay," he said. "Help us. Help us speak for the child."