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\t\t<\/a><\/p>\nAccording to Phoenix police, Begay was charged on Wednesday. He faces charges<\/a> of sexual assault and kidnapping with the intent to commit a sexual offense.<\/p>\n Why was Begay arrested in connection with the 2001 sexual assault?<\/p>\n On May 22, 2001, Phoenix police officers responded to the area of 67th Avenue and Indian School Road<\/a> around 9:35 a.m. for a report of a teenage girl who was sexually assaulted behind a business.<\/p>\n Police said during the investigation into the incident, physical evidence was obtained.<\/p>\n In February 2025, Begay was reportedly arrested for an unrelated crime and a DNA sample was collected and entered into the state\u2019s database.<\/p>\n Cold case detectives began to follow up on the 2001 sexual assault and in June, the laboratory services bureau reported a match from the assault to Begay\u2019s DNA profile, according to Phoenix police.<\/p>\n At the time, Begay was reportedly on probation in a different county. Detectives allegedly coordinated with the county\u2019s probation officers to set up a meeting with Begay.<\/p>\n Police said that Begay was arrested during the meeting and was since given a $150,000 cash bond with electronic monitoring if released.<\/p>\n \u201cThis case highlights effective use of forensic technology,\u201d Phoenix Police Department Sgt. Jen Zak said in a press release. \u201cThe Phoenix Police Department and the Phoenix Crime Lab continue to demonstrate the value of persistence, innovation and collaboration, to bring justice to survivors and their families.\u201d<\/p>\n We want to hear from you.<\/p>\n Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here<\/a>.<\/p>\n