A former behavioral health counselor in Arizona, Benjamin Hollins, was arrested for faking his death to avoid registering as a sex offender. Hollins had been convicted of a sexual offense over 20 years ago in California but failed to register as a sex offender when he moved to Arizona City in 2018. He was working in mental health at the time. In the same year, he was charged with kidnapping and attempted sexual assault of a 16-year-old client in Arizona. Hollins took a plea deal and was sentenced to supervised probation, which required him to register as a sex offender annually.
To avoid his sex offender obligations, Hollins enlisted the help of a woman to file a false report claiming she saw him jump off a bridge at the Theodore Roosevelt Lake Dam. Although no body was found, a green bag containing a suicide note and ID was located on the bridge. Consequently, Hollins was declared dead and his registration as a sex offender lapsed. Investigators eventually traced the false report back to Hollins, who had been living under the name “Julian Jefferson” with a family that was unaware of his criminal history. Hollins now faces charges of failure to appear, probation violation, and failure to confirm his sex offender identification.
Inmate records indicate that Hollins is currently in custody, but it is unclear if he has legal representation. Those in need of support related to sexual assault can visit RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s website. For mental health assistance, individuals can call or text 988, chat at 988lifeline.org, or access local mental health and crisis resources at dontcallthepolice.com. Those outside the U.S. can seek help from the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
This case highlights the lengths to which some individuals may go to evade their legal responsibilities. By faking his own death, Hollins attempted to avoid the consequences of his criminal actions and failed to fulfill his obligations as a registered sex offender. The incident also raises concerns about the potential risks posed by individuals with hidden criminal backgrounds working in sensitive professions such as mental health counseling. It is essential for organizations and employers to conduct thorough background checks to prevent such situations from occurring in the future.
The involvement of a woman in the fabrication of Hollins’ death report also underscores the importance of questioning and verifying information before accepting it as true. In this case, authorities were able to uncover the deception and bring Hollins to justice, but such schemes could have far-reaching consequences if left unchecked. It is crucial for individuals and communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or potentially harmful behavior to the appropriate authorities.
The support resources provided in the article offer important avenues for individuals in need of assistance, whether they are facing mental health challenges, sexual assault, or other crises. Recognizing the impact of trauma and providing access to professional help and support services is crucial in promoting healing and recovery for survivors of abuse and violence. By raising awareness about these resources and encouraging people to seek help when needed, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for those in distress.
