Fugitive Anthony Lennon Caught After 13 Years on the Run

UPDATE: After 13 years evading justice, fugitive Anthony Lennon has been apprehended in Canton, New York. U.S. Marshals confirmed his arrest outside a grocery store, marking a significant breakthrough in a case that has haunted Oklahoma law enforcement since 2008.

Lennon, who was on Oklahoma’s 10 Most Wanted list, was originally convicted for possession of child pornography. Following a probation sentence, he violated terms by accessing a computer. In March 2012, authorities discovered additional explicit content on his devices, leading to charges of eight counts of felony possession.

In a dramatic turn of events, Lennon staged a robbery and kidnapping from his workplace, a Super 8 Motel in Moore, Oklahoma. “We never believed that Mr. Lennon was deceased,” stated Cleveland County District Attorney Jennifer Austin. “We knew he was attempting to evade capture.”

For over a decade, investigators followed leads across multiple states, ultimately tracing Lennon to New York. U.S. Marshal Johnny Kuhlman praised the tireless efforts of local and federal teams, saying, “They closed in on Lennon and arrested him.” His capture finally brings closure to a long and complex investigation.

Currently, Lennon faces federal charges for failing to register as a sex offender, alongside the existing possession counts. Authorities indicate that further charges may follow as investigations continue. “We will work with our federal partners to determine next steps,” Austin confirmed.

As Lennon awaits a judge’s decision on extradition back to Oklahoma, this case serves as a chilling reminder of the ongoing battle against child exploitation and the lengths some will go to evade justice.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.