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Sex Offender Arrested In Fremont
By: Mike Stiles - Saturday, December 2, 2023

(left to right) Aaron Harp and Deserea McConnell (photos courtesy of Steuben County Sheriff's Office)

(FREMONT) – A fugitive registered sex offender was taken into custody following a police search.

Steuben County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrived in the 700 block of West North Street in Fremont just after 9:30 AM Friday. They were acting on a tip from the public on the possible location of 43 year old Aaron Harp, a fugitive registered sex offender. He was wanted on several outstanding felony warrants out of Steuben County.

Officers located a vehicle matching the description of an automobile known to be associated with Harp. As they were watching the vehicle, a woman approached it and detectives made contact with her. Deputies saw a man fleeing on foot south from the house. The woman, 26 year old Deserea McConnell of Fremont, admitted she alerted Harp to the police which prompted him to run away.

A subsequent search of the area was conducted with the help of the Fremont Police K-9 Officer. As a precaution, Fremont Police placed Fremont Community Schools on a lock down. The search was suspended and the lockdown lifted after it was determined that Harp was not near the school, however officers remained in the area to see if he might return.

Just before 12 PM, police spotted Harp back in the 700 block of West North Street. Several units responded to the area and after another short search, Harp was located inside a residence on North Street, thanks to a cooperative citizen.

Harp is being held in the Steuben County Jail without bond for failing to appear on three separate charges of felony failure to register as a sex or violent offender. Additional charges are expected.

Police also arrested McConnell on a felony charge of assisting a criminal.



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