Robert Charles Odenthal - Repeat Sex Offender - Multiple Victims

After a lengthy investigation, the Bear Valley Police Department announced the arrest of Robert Charles Odenthal, 55, of Tehachapi. Odenthal was arrested per a warrant issued by the Kern County D.A. for multiple charges of continuous sexual abuse of a child, lewd acts with a child under 14, and child abuse after same conviction.

The investigation, which began early in the year and spanned into outside counties including, Fresno and Los Angeles, revealed that there were multiple victims. In each case, the suspect was identified as Odenthal, who is a registered sex offender.

During the investigation, Odenthal became aware of the police activity and decided to travel to another State.

He maintained sporadic cellular contact with Police until he was advised that a warrant had become active.

On July 20, Odenthal was contacted by investigators and advised that he had the warrant, and agreed to return to California to meet with police.

By July 22, Odenthal had not arrived back in State. Investigators learned that Odenthal had elected not to return, but rather to travel to Yellowstone National Park.

This information was confirmed when Odenthal's vehicle was located within Yellowstone. According to National Parks Police, Odenthal had already begun a planned 14 day excursion into the wilderness with two pack llamas and was reportedly accompanied by a minor.

A task force of Federal Agents was assembled and a search began around midnight that same night.

Odenthal was located approximately 9 miles into the mountains and was taken into custody without incident. Preliminary reports were that the minor was found to be in good shape and uninjured in any way.

Odenthal was brought before a Federal Magistrate in Wyoming and has waived his extradition rights and will be returned to Kern County.

"25% of all sex offenders re-offend within 15 years"
.........Sarah Tofte