How Could You? Hall of Shame-John “Lincoln” Sperry

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Prescott, Arizona, foster father John “Lincoln” Sperry “was arrested in connection with the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in 2004, authorities say.

The Department of Child Safety reported John “Lincoln” Sperry for the sexual assault of his 14-year-old foster daughter in 2004. The Tucson Police Department began an investigation, according to a news release, conducting interviews, serving search warrants, and collecting evidence, but ultimately the case was closed.

In 2026, the victim recontacted the Tucson Police Department. Detectives from the Sexual Assault Cold Case Unit reopened the investigation and reviewed forensic evidence, conducted follow-up interviews, and then submitted their findings to the Pima County Attorney’s Office.

An arrest warrant was issued for Sperry, now 65, for two counts of sexual conduct with a minor.

Sperry was found living in Prescott, where he was working as a licensed clinical social worker specializing in sex addiction treatment.

Tucson police, Prescott Police, and the U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested Sperry on July 8. He was booked into the Yavapai County Detention Center and is awaiting extradition to Pima County.

Tucson police said that “this is an ongoing investigation,” and anyone with information is encouraged to call law enforcement. Sperry would have had access to “multiple children” as a foster parent, and Tucson police said that “sexual predators rarely victimize one person.”
“The Tucson Police Department recognizes that reporting sexual assaults can be difficult, and some individuals may choose to come forward years after an offense occurs,” Tucson police said. “Anyone who wishes to report sexual assault is encouraged to contact the Tucson Police Department at 520-837-7485.”

Arizona man accused of sexually assaulting foster daughter arrested more than 20 years later

[12 News 7/11/26 by Kyra O’Connor]

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