Wanted sex offender may be in El Paso area

The U.S. Marshals are searching for a wanted sex offender who may be in the El Paso area.

Officials say 35-year-old Kenneth Earl Hooks is wanted in Imperial County, California, for several sex offenses against children including possession of images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, employment or use of minors to perform prohibited acts, and invasion of privacy and conspiracy to commit a crime. Hooks is also being investigated by a Federal Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for charges related to the sexual exploitation of children.

On April 26th, the U.S Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force received information that Hooks may be in the El Paso area. Officials say Hooks was staying at local homeless shelters and actively attempting to obtain resources to travel out of the area.

Investigators say Hooks victimizes complete strangers in public areas such as public restrooms and dressing rooms, local homeless shelter resources and may also be in or around truck stops, bus terminals, or gas stations.

Hooks is a 6’1″ white male weighing approximately 160-180 pounds with brown (graying) hair and brown eyes. He has the following tattoos: Ace of spade w/cross bones (unknown location); Dagger on inner left forearm; Ace of spade w/cross bones and clover (unknown location).

If you believe you have seen Hooks and have information regarding his whereabouts, the LSFTF asks that you contact the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-877-WANTED-2 or 1-800-336-0102. Any person providing information will remain anonymous and confidential.