Missing Boys Sought After Sex Offender Dad Picks Them Up, Possibly Makes Trip Across Southern Border

A New Mexico man who allegedly failed to register as a sex offender is being sought after by authorities after his two toddlers disappeared three weeks ago. 

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Clarence Ransom, 52, who police say failed to register as a sex offender and to comply with a custodial agreement when he picked up his sons without proper notification, Las Cruces Police Department stated in a release. 

The father left on the same day that he was expected to attend a court hearing with the mother of their children to work out custodial matters with the kids, police officials told Oxygen.com.

"They had a court case that same day for the custodial agreement and, instead, Mr. Ransom picked up the kids from daycare,"  Las Cruces Police Department spokesman Dan Trujillo said. 

Ransom was last seen on Oct. 8 behind the wheel of a silver 2013 Toyota Camry with temporary tags, having picked up his sons Maverick, 3, and Orion, 4, from their Las Cruces daycare. 

“Police are asking for the public’s help locating two young Las Cruces brothers who were taken by their father," police said in the release.

There is mounting concern by the authorities that Ransom, who allegedly prefers to use his middle name “Michael," is suspected to have taken an overnight trip to Juarez, Mexico, before returning across the border. 

Ransom was sharing custody of the boys with his estranged wife, but apparently gave no indication that he would be leaving the country. 

The father allegedly “retrieved the two boys from the daycare center they attend, and gave no notification of his intentions to travel with the children,” according to the release.

So far, Las Cruces police aren't certain Ransom took the kids when he crossed the southern border.

"It's unknown if he had the kids with him while going to or coming from Mexico," said Trujillo. 

Ransom is a convicted felon. 

He was tried and found guilty in 1991 for engaging in a sex act with a minor under the age of 12, according to court documents reviewed by Oxygen.com. 

The sex crime took place at Fort Sill, an army base in Lawton, Oklahoma (roughly 90 miles from Oklahoma City). Ransom is believed to still maintain family ties at Fort Sill. 

The victim was 11, and a stranger to Ransom, according to Trujillo.

For now, the boys are not believed to be in any direct danger. 

"We have not heard of him making any threats to his children," Trujillo said. "But, we obviously would like to find out where he and the kids are."

He added that police are asking for anyone with any leads to Ransom or his sons' whereabouts to contact their local police station. 

"Let them know where they might be so the warrant can be served on Mr. Ransom and the two children can be returned to their biological mother," he said. 

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Maverick and Orion Ransom, or Clarence "Michael" Ransom, is asked to call the Las Cruces Police Department immediately at: (575) 526-0795. If outside of Las Cruces and have information on their whereabouts, contact a local police department or dial 911.