The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Texas Department of Public Safety has increased the reward for information leading to the capture of one of the state's most wanted sex offenders to $13,000 for the month of August.

John Arthur Volker was born in New Jersey but lived most of his life in Texas and has been on the run for the past 15 years.

After two young girls, aged three and nine, came forward in 1998 Volker was convicted and sentenced to seven years probation and required to register as a sex offender.

At that time he was living in Humble but a year later moved to Houston where he failed to register his change of address.

In 2000 Harris County Sheriff's Office issued three new warrants for Volker's arrest, one for failure to register as a sex offender and two new counts of indecency with a child.

The only other information authorites have about his whereabouts now is that he had at one time worked as a restoration technician. Officials also say he may have relocated to San Diego, Ca.

A note on the Texas 10 Most Wanted Facebook page adds that, "Volker has ties to several cities in the Houston area, including Splendora, Spring, Conroe, Humble and Houston. He has also previously resided in southern California, near Los Angeles and San Diego."

Volker is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 165 pounds.

To leave a tip text "DPS plus your tip" to 274637 (CRIMES) or call 1-800-252-TIPS (8477) - 24 hours a day.