According to Arizona authorities, a wanted man who was being sought on sec abuse-related charges has been arrested.
12 News reported that David Whitaker, 42, spent over three months hiding in the Pinal County desert before he was found.
According to the sheriff's office, Whitaker was arrested on Monday after he was found hiding in a shack that he had built.
PCSO says that he ate fish from the canal as well as javelinas and rabbits that he hunted.
Whitaker ad been at large since late November of 2020 after deputies heard of his alleged sexual contact with a 13-year-old girl.
PCSO wrote on Facebook:
"On November 28th, 2020, 42-year-old David Whitaker of Missile Base was reported to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office for having sexual contact with a 13-year-old female victim.
The victim later told Detectives the abuse had been ongoing.
While Deputies were en-route to the suspect's home, Whitaker left the residence and walked into the desert armed with a handgun."
The post also stated that Whitaker was a known "survivalist" and had a high chance of surviving while living off-grid.
Sheriff Mark Lamb stated, "Law enforcement truly is a team effort, We are hopeful his arrest brings the victim and the victim's family some peace of mind."
Photos: Pinal County Sheriffs Office