MESA, AZ – The Mesa Police Department, using DNA technology, identified and arrested the East Valley Rapist, 22 years after his first known offense. The man is identified as 57-year-old John Daly III, a recently retired Border Patrol Agent.
With the utilization of SAKI (Sexual Assault Kit Initiative) funding, in February 2021, investigative efforts produced the name of John Daly III. A history check showed that John had residency near each of the sexual assaults at the time they occurred.
In April 2021, DNA linked Daly to two of the sexual assaults; one Mesa and one Gilbert case. Officers from Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Bisbee Police Departments investigated these cases jointly, making connections, conducting interviews, and collecting evidence. The FBI assisted in recent months by providing analytical, investigative, and support resources. Border Patrol cooperated and supported this investigation.
In conjunction with the U.S. Marshals Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force and multiple other agencies, Daly was taken into custody in Sierra Vista, AZ on May 4, 2021. Daly was booked for charges related to three of the eight cases. Bisbee Police Department will submit charges for their case and the other four cases require additional investigative efforts prior to charging.