Oklahoma Fugitive Anthony Lennon Captured After 13 Years on Run

UPDATE: After 13 years on the run, Anthony Lennon, a fugitive listed on Oklahoma’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List, has been apprehended in Canton, New York. Authorities confirm that Lennon was arrested outside a grocery store where he was attending a local university.

Lennon, who had been evading justice since 2009, was convicted in 2008 for possession of child pornography but received only probation. His escape from the law began after he violated his probation by accessing a computer. In March 2012, officials discovered additional child pornography on his devices, leading to eight felony charges against him.

According to U.S. Marshal Johnny Kuhlman, “Let’s just say that he’s been very good at evading justice.” Law enforcement believed Lennon staged his own robbery and kidnapping from the Super 8 Motel in Moore, Oklahoma, to avoid capture. “We never believed that Mr. Lennon was deceased. We believed he was trying to evade capture,” said Cleveland County District Attorney Jennifer Austin.

For over a decade, investigators followed a trail of aliases that led them to New York. “Some of our local Deputy U.S. Marshals, along with the detective from the Moore Police Department, traveled to New York to continue this investigation,” Kuhlman added. They collaborated with the New York New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force to close in on Lennon.

Now in custody, Lennon faces a federal charge for failing to register as a sex offender, in addition to the eight counts of felony possession of child pornography. Austin indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues. “We will have to work together with our partners in the federal system to determine who gets to go first,” she stated.

Lennon is currently awaiting a judge’s decision on extradition back to Oklahoma. This significant capture highlights the determination of law enforcement to seek justice for victims and underscores the long-term commitment to tracking down fugitives who attempt to evade the law.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as authorities continue to work on bringing Lennon to justice.