Illinois and local investigators are searching for a convicted pedophile. The Moultrie County Sheriff drove 350 miles to Springfield Monday night to find Herman Arthur Carroll, Sr.

Since 2000, Illinois investigators have searched for the twice-convicted sex offender who they say molested and abused a young girl. He was convicted in 1983 and 1993.

Moultrie County Sheriff Jeff Thomas says Carroll likely ran because he could be sentenced to 90 years in prison for the latest charges. America's Most Wante first aired Carroll’s mugshot in 2004, but few leads came in.

Thomas says Carroll was last seen on Monday in video surveillance video at a Kmart in Springfield. Investigators say he bought camping equipment. Investigators also got a tip that Carroll was staying at a homeless camp near the Wal-Mart at Glenstone and Kearney. Helicopters and officers on foot searched the area but did not find him.

Thomas says Carroll managed to live in a homeless camp for three years before befriending a woman. The woman allowed Carroll to live with her not knowing his past. Thomas says Carroll has been working as a maintenance man in the area using the alias James Buzzard.

Thomas says Carroll is not a stranger pedophile. He says Carroll preys on family members. However, Thomas worries Carroll may befriend a family and then find a victim.

Carroll was arrested on July 3, 2000 for his latest alleged offense. He posted bond and never went to his trial. America's Most Wanted aired Carroll’s mugshot on the shows “Fifteen Seconds of Shame” segment on September 12, 2009. Soon people in Springfield started sending in tips.



Here is a description:

Race: White

Age: Now 57

Height: 5'7''

Weight: 200 lbs.

Hair: Brown, Carroll's hair is typically disheveled. He typically wears a mustache but currently does not have one.


Eyes: Hazel
Other Physical Characteristics: Carroll has a birthmark/discoloration on his abdomen.
-Carroll has a scar on his right finger.
-He has a scar on his left wrist.
-On his left shoulder, Carroll has a tattoo of a red heart with the name "JOANNE" in the center.
-On his right shoulder, he has a "family tree" with the initials of family members on two branches.
-One branch has the initial "K" on the main branch, with three offshoot branches. These three offshoot branches contain the letters "E", "K", and either "C" or "H".
-The second primary branch contains the letter "J" with three offshoot branches, containing the letters "N", "E", and "B".
-Carroll likes to stay in campgrounds.
-He is a skilled trim finisher, specializing in new construction.
-He has been married five times.
-He has six children.
-He has been convicted twice for sexually abusing children (1982 and 1993).
-He is a registered sex offender.