Scott David Bixler, a 43-year-old resident of Morgantown, West Virginia, has been sentenced to the maximum penalty of 120 months in prison for failing to update his sex offender registration. Following his incarceration, Bixler will be under lifetime supervision.
Bixler, a convicted sex offender required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORNA) for life, must report any international travel as part of his obligations. In July 2023, he fled to Mexico before appearing in state court for sentencing related to prior convictions for failure to register as a sex offender under West Virginia law.
Upon arrest in Mexico with his spouse, authorities found them in possession of two pellet guns, methamphetamine, a cell phone jammer, and substantial cash. The investigation uncovered their attempt to purchase a young girl in Mexico. Mexican authorities intervened and arrested the couple.
“The sentence handed down by the Court ensures that the Defendant will be confined in prison for the maximum time allowed by law,” stated Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard. “I shudder to think what might have happened but for the dedication of AUSA Perri, the federal and state law enforcement agencies, as well as the Mexican authorities. Our community and children are safer because of their efforts and the sentence imposed.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Perri on behalf of the government. It was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Marshals Services, and West Virginia State Police.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. This program unites federal, state, and local resources to locate and prosecute those exploiting children via the Internet while also rescuing victims. More information can be found at Justice.gov/PSC.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided over the case.