Stephen Joseph Vess, a 39-year-old fugitive, is currently listed on the Texas DPS 10 Most Wanted for Sexual Assault of a Child and Possession of Child Pornography. Vess has longstanding ties to Rockwall County and the city of Mabank, Texas, and is considered armed and dangerous.
Vess was arrested in August 2014, bonded out, and later failed to appear in court. Rockwall County issued warrants on November 13, 2014, and he has remained a fugitive for more than a decade. Crime Stoppers is offering up to $3,000 for information leading to his capture.
Fugitive Details — Description & Identifiers
- Name: Stephen Joseph Vess
- Date of Birth: 08/03/1985
- Race: White
- Sex: Male
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 140 lbs
- Aliases: Stephen J. Vess
- Tattoos / Scars: None reported
- FBI #: 282126CE1
- SID #: TX07493559
- TDC #: N/A
- Last Known City: Mabank, Texas
- Caution: Armed and Dangerous
Active Warrants
Vess is wanted for the following felony charges out of Rockwall County:
- Sexual Assault of a Child
- Possession of Child Pornography
These warrants remain active and in effect statewide.
Criminal History (CCH)
- Sexual Assault of a Child
Although his known criminal history is brief compared to other fugitives, the severity and nature of his charges — especially involving a minor — make him a high-risk offender.
Background & Fugitive Timeline
August 2014 — Initial Arrest
Vess was arrested in Rockwall County for Sexual Assault of a Child.
He later posted bond and was released pending court proceedings.
Failure to Appear
After being released, Vess failed to return to court, initiating fugitive status and prompting law enforcement to increase search efforts statewide.
November 13, 2014 — Warrants Issued
Rockwall County issued warrants for:
- Sexual Assault of a Child
- Possession of Child Pornography
These warrants have remained active, and Vess has continued to evade capture for more than ten years.
Regional Ties — Mabank & Rockwall County
Vess has known connections to:
- Mabank, Texas
- Rockwall County
- Surrounding East Texas areas
Due to the length of time he has been on the run, investigators believe he may be receiving assistance from acquaintances or moving between rural regions to avoid detection.
Reward — Up to $3,000 for Information
Texas Crime Stoppers is offering up to $3,000 for information that leads to Vess’ arrest.
How to Submit an Anonymous Tip
- Phone: 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
- Online: Texas 10 Most Wanted website
- Facebook: DPS Crime Stoppers page
- Mobile: DPS App (iOS & Android)
All tips are anonymous, protected under Texas law.
Tipsters receive a number, not a name.
Public Safety Warning
Due to the nature of the charges — particularly crimes involving children — and his history of evading authorities:
Do NOT attempt to approach Vess.
Contact 911 immediately if spotted.
Why Stephen Joseph Vess Is a High-Priority Capture
- Wanted for child sexual assault, one of the most serious felonies in Texas
- Failed to appear after posting bond
- Accused of possessing child pornography, elevating public safety concerns
- Has avoided capture for more than a decade
- Considered armed, dangerous, and unpredictable
His apprehension is essential to protecting Texas communities, especially vulnerable populations.