News

'Most Wanted' sex offender taken into custody at home with 3 children inside

PITTSBURGH — The Allegheny County Sheriff’s office announced the arrest of one of the area’s “most wanted” sex offenders.

Jack Maurice Myers, 36, formerly of the Homewood section of Pittsburgh, was wanted for not residing at the address he provided under law and for violating the conditions of his probation.

Myers had pleaded guilty to charges of the indecent assault of victims who were 9 and 10 years old at the time.

He is required to maintain a lifetime registration under Megan's Law.

Sheriff’s deputies received a tip Wednesday night that Myers was staying at a home with his girlfriend and three children, all under the age of 8, on Joseph Street in Mount Oliver.

When they arrived at the home, deputies said 29-year-old Roberta Turner denied that Myers was there and tried to block them from entering the house.

As deputies began to search the home, investigators said Myers ran out a basement door and into the arms of a deputy who was waiting outside. He was then taken into custody.

Diane Perella lives next-door. She told Channel 11’s Courtney Brennan she had no idea Myers was a sex offender.

“You never know who your neighbors are, and you should always know who you're with,” Perella said. “I have a kid that’s almost five, and I was just sick to my stomach.”

Turner was also arrested and charged with two counts of hindering apprehension and obstruction of justice. The three children were placed in the custody of Children, Youth and Family Services.

Deputies are investigating whether Turner knew that Myers was a registered sex offender.  If she did, she could face additional charges.