U.S. Marshals Arrest Man Wanted for Sexual Assault, Other Charges

Cheyenne, WY – The U.S. Marshals (USMS) District of Wyoming Fugitive Task Force (WFTF), along with members from the USMS Special Operations Group and with the assistance of several partner agencies, located and arrested early Friday a fugitive wanted on sexual assault and other charges.

Ricky Ayers, 53, a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen who had made threats against law enforcement during previous encounters, was wanted for sexual assault in the first degree, aggravated burglary, felonious restraint, and domestic battery.  

Due to potential heightened threats to law enforcement, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office in Laramie asked for USMS assistance in apprehending Ayers, and the WFTF adopted the case for apprehension.

Investigators developed information that Ayers had a probable stockpile of weapons within his cabin and property in a remote area of Albany County.  After taking Ayers into custody, the team located numerous weapons, primarily rifles, scattered throughout the property address.

Other agencies involved in Ayers’ capture include the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, Platte County Sheriff’s Office, Cheyenne Police Department SWAT, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Forest Service.

The Wyoming Fugitive Task Force, which is headed by the U.S. Marshals Service, District of Wyoming, was created in February 2004. Its mission is to track, locate, and apprehend state and federal fugitives. The Wyoming Fugitive Task Force is composed of numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Tips of wanted subjects or subjects who may be in violation of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act can be shared by submitting a tip through https://www.p3tips.com/USMS.aspx. 

Source: U.S. Marshals Service, usmarshals.gov