A man now living in Prescott was arrested this week in connection with the sexual assault of a 14-year-old foster daughter that was reported two decades ago, Tucson police said.
Cold-case review leads to arrest
The Department of Child Safety originally reported the alleged assault of John "Lincoln" Sperry’s foster daughter in 2004. Tucson police investigators opened inquiries at the time, serving search warrants and conducting interviews, but the probe was closed without an arrest.
In 2026 the victim recontacted the Tucson Police Department, prompting detectives from the Sexual Assault Cold Case Unit to reopen the investigation. Officers reviewed forensic evidence, conducted follow-up interviews and forwarded their findings to the Pima County Attorney’s Office. An arrest warrant was then issued charging Sperry, now 65, with two counts of sexual conduct with a minor.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2004 | Initial report of sexual assault of a 14-year-old foster child to Department of Child Safety |
| 2004 | Tucson Police investigate; case ultimately closed |
| 2026 | Victim recontacts police; cold-case unit reopens investigation |
| July 8, 2026 | Sperry located in Prescott and arrested by Tucson police, Prescott police and U.S. Marshals |
Where authorities found him
Investigators located Sperry in Prescott, where he had been working as a licensed clinical social worker specializing in sex addiction treatment, Tucson police said. He was arrested July 8 and booked into the Yavapai County Detention Center pending extradition to Pima County.
Police message and resources
Tucson police described the investigation as ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward. The department also reminded the public that reporting sexual assaults can be difficult and that people sometimes choose to come forward years after an offense.
"The Tucson Police Department recognizes that reporting sexual assaults can be difficult, and some individuals may choose to come forward years after an offense occurs," Tucson police said. "Anyone who wishes to report sexual assault is encouraged to contact the Tucson Police Department at 520-837-7485."
- If you have information about this case, call Tucson police at 520-837-7485.
- Victims seeking help can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 (SAFE) or the Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Hotline at 602-279-2980 (or text 520-720-3383).
- Sperry was arrested in Prescott and is awaiting extradition to Pima County; charges are two counts of sexual conduct with a minor.
This arrest underscores how cold-case units and renewed victim reports can change the course of long-dormant investigations. For communities across Arizona, it’s a reminder that allegations of abuse — even those reported years earlier — may be revisited if victims or new evidence emerge.
Authorities said the probe remains active. Anyone with related information is asked to contact law enforcement so investigators can build a fuller picture for prosecutors.
