by Oklahoma City, OK – Authorities have successfully apprehended Anthony Lennon, an Oklahoma sex offender who had been on the state’s “10 Most Wanted” list, after more than a decade of evading the law by faking his own disappearance. Lennon was captured in upstate New York, ending a 13-year manhunt for the accused predator.
Lennon had been wanted since March 2012 on charges related to possession of child pornography. His arrest marks a significant victory for law enforcement agencies, given the disturbing nature of his crimes and his lengthy time on the run.
The Disappearance and Investigation
In early March 2012, the Moore Police Department responded to a troubling scene at a local Super 8 Motel where Lennon worked. Authorities found a pool of blood, Lennon’s shoe, bloody shoe prints, and missing money from the hotel’s cash drawer. Questions soon arose about the authenticity of Lennon’s disappearance, which he had staged to appear as an abduction.
- Lennon was pursuing a doctorate in computer science at the time.
- He emptied his bank account the day before vanishing, claiming legal troubles to bank staff.
- Investigation uncovered chat logs, a desktop computer, and stacks of compact discs containing images of violent sexual abuse of children and infants.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond revealed that Lennon pleaded guilty in 2008 to five counts of aggravated possession of child pornography and faced up to 20 years in prison. Drummond further stated that a friend had discovered around 50 gigabytes of graphic child pornography on Lennon’s computer.
Arrest and Confirmation of Identity
Months into his fugitive status, Lennon was placed on Drummond’s newly launched “10 Most Wanted” program in July 2024, designed to intensify the search for dangerous offenders.
Federal and local authorities located Lennon in New York, where he used the alias Justin Phillips. His true identity was confirmed through fingerprint analysis. Authorities reported the arrest on a Thursday, highlighting the multi-agency cooperation that made the capture possible.
“This man is accused of committing a terrible crime involving children and this arrest illustrates the professionalism, communication, and teamwork of all the various agencies involved in the arrest and to provide justice for the victims,” said Marshal Johnny L. Kuhlman.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
The Moore Police Department emphasized in a Facebook post that the case remains active, but Lennon’s capture means the community can now move forward in holding him accountable for his crimes.
“I appreciate the thorough investigative work by the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Moore Police Department and all of the law enforcement agencies involved in locating and apprehending this child predator,” said Attorney General Gentner Drummond. “He evaded justice for far too long but will now face the consequences of his actions.”
For further details, visit the original report here.
What Comes Next?
Lennon’s legal representation status remains unclear as investigations continue. Authorities are committed to ensuring justice for the victims and urge community members to stay vigilant and supportive of law enforcement efforts.
Key Facts About the Case
- Anthony Lennon was wanted for eight counts of possession of child pornography.
- Lennon staged his disappearance with falsified evidence to appear abducted.
- The arrest is a result of coordinated efforts between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
- He was arrested 13 years after initially going missing.
Share Your Thoughts
What do you think about this significant arrest after over a decade on the run? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
