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Sex offender arrested near Royal City

R. HANS MILLER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months, 1 week AGO
by R. HANS MILLER
Managing Editor Rob Miller is a 4-year U.S. Army veteran who grew up in Western Montana in a community about the size of Soap Lake. An honors graduate of Texas State University, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Brandee, and their three dogs, Draco, Pepper and Cinnamon. He has one son, William. During his free time, he enjoys photography, video games, reading and working on the house he and his wife bought in Ephrata. He is passionate about the First Amendment and educating communities. | November 22, 2025 5:05 PM

ROYAL CITY — Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Tyler May, 30, at his home in the 14200 block of Road A.7 SW about 3.5 miles east of Royal City on Saturday.  

May is a sex offender who failed to register after moving from Benton County to Grant County and had outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants from Benton County and Kennewick.  

It was unclear how long May had been staying at the home, according to a GCSO announcement.  

May was convicted in 2010 of first-degree child molestation and was released from prison in 2014. He was also later convicted three times, once each in 2014, 2017 and 2019, of failing to register as a sex offender.

Deputies expressed appreciation for tips received from a community member that led to May’s arrest.  

As of 5 p.m. Saturday, May was listed in custody with the Grant County Jail, facing a variety of charges including the warrant, a WSP warrant, making false or misleading statements to a public servant and Escape in the Third Degree. Additional charges are possible and not bail had been set at the time of publication.  


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