Oklahoma Fugitive Caught After 13 Years on the Run

UPDATE: After 13 years on the run, fugitive Anthony Lennon, who was on Oklahoma’s 10 Most Wanted list, has been captured in Canton, New York. Authorities confirmed that Lennon was apprehended outside a grocery store as he was attending a local university.

Officials report that Lennon had initially been convicted in 2008 for possession of child pornography but was given only probation. However, he violated this probation by accessing a computer. In March 2012, the Moore Police Department uncovered additional child pornography on his devices, leading to eight felony charges against him.

U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Oklahoma, Johnny Kuhlman, stated, “Let’s just say that he’s been very good at evading justice.” Following these developments, Lennon staged his own robbery and kidnapping from a Super 8 Motel in Moore, Oklahoma, to avoid capture.

Moore Police Chief Todd Gibson emphasized, “We never believed that Mr. Lennon was deceased. We believed he was trying to evade capture.” For over a decade, law enforcement tracked Lennon through various aliases, ultimately leading to his recent arrest.

A joint effort between local deputy U.S. Marshals and the New York-New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force culminated in his capture. Now, Lennon faces a federal charge for failing to register as a sex offender, in addition to the eight counts of possession of child pornography.

Cleveland County District Attorney Jennifer Austin indicated that more charges could be forthcoming, stating, “We will have to work together with our partners in the federal system to determine basically who gets to go first.” Lennon is currently in custody in New York, awaiting a judge’s decision on his extradition back to Oklahoma.

This development marks a significant victory for law enforcement after years of searching for an individual who has caused immense distress to victims and their families. Investigators and officials remain committed to ensuring that justice is served swiftly.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.