U.S. Marshals Arrest Man on Sex Offense Warrants in Spokane Valley

The 46-year-old was wanted for probation violations and failure to register as a sex offender.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, with assistance from the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, arrested a 46-year-old man in Spokane Valley on multiple warrants related to sex offense convictions and alleged registration violations.

Why it matters

The arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to locate and apprehend non-compliant sex offenders, especially those involved in violent crimes or crimes against minors.

The details

Authorities said Juan Ketchum was wanted on a Washington State Department of Corrections warrant for reportedly failing to comply with the terms of his probation following prior convictions for third-degree rape involving a 15-year-old and communication with a minor for immoral purposes. He was also taken into custody on a Spokane County Superior Court warrant alleging failure to register as a sex offender.

  • The arrest occurred around 4 p.m. on February 27, 2026.

The players

Juan Ketchum

A 46-year-old man arrested on warrants related to sex offense convictions and alleged registration violations.

U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force

A U.S. Marshals-led partnership that includes law enforcement agencies in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, focusing on locating and arresting violent federal and state fugitives.

Spokane County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that assisted the U.S. Marshals in the arrest, including the Major Crimes Unit and Real Time Crime Center.

Washington State Department of Corrections

The state agency that issued the warrant for Ketchum's alleged failure to comply with the terms of his probation following prior sex offense convictions.

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What’s next

Ketchum will remain in custody as he faces charges related to the warrants for probation violations and failure to register as a sex offender.

The takeaway

This arrest demonstrates the ongoing collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to hold sex offenders accountable and protect vulnerable members of the community, particularly minors.