FBI Captures Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitive In Unexpected Place

A routine traffic stop in Lady Lake, Florida, led to the capture of one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, showcasing the vital role of local law enforcement in national security.

That’s some luck!

At a Glance

  • Donald Eugene Fields II, wanted for child s*x trafficking and rape, was apprehended during a routine traffic stop in Florida
  • Sgt. Michelle Bilbrey of Lady Lake Police Department made the arrest after noticing an unregistered license plate
  • Fields had been evading authorities since March 2022 and was added to the FBI’s Most Wanted list in May 2023
  • The arrest highlights the importance of vigilant policing and interagency cooperation

Routine Traffic Stop Leads to Major Arrest

On January 25, 2025, at approximately 9:15 a.m., Sgt. Michelle Bilbrey of the Lady Lake Police Department conducted what seemed to be a routine traffic stop. The officer’s attention was drawn to a vehicle with an unregistered license plate, a common traffic violation. However, this ordinary stop would soon reveal something extraordinary.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Donald Eugene Fields II, a man who had been evading law enforcement since March 2022. Fields was not just any fugitive; he was listed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, wanted on federal charges of child s*x trafficking and state charges of child rape in Missouri.

Fields had been on the run for nearly three years, having failed to appear for a court hearing in Missouri related to his charges. The severity of his alleged crimes led to his addition to the FBI’s Most Wanted list in May 2023. Despite altering his physical appearance to avoid detection, Fields’ luck ran out on the streets of Lady Lake, a town located about 52 miles northwest of Orlando.

“Sometimes, an everyday traffic stop turns into a real game-changer. This is a reminder that every officer, every day, is out there making a real difference. Every traffic stop is an opportunity for justice. What starts as a routine encounter can quickly turn into a pivotal moment, where an officer’s sharp instincts and dedication to service lead to a significant arrest—keeping our community and in this case, the nation, safer,” Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt said.

The capture of Fields underscores the critical role that local law enforcement plays in national security efforts. It also highlights the effectiveness of interagency cooperation and the importance of maintaining vigilance in everyday policing activities.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Fields faces a litany of serious charges. In St. Louis, he was federally indicted on December 7, 2023, for attempting to recruit and exploit a minor for commercial s*x acts. The indictment alleges that these activities occurred from January 2013 to June 2017. Additionally, Fields faces multiple state charges in Missouri, including statutory rape, statutory sodomy, child molestation, and witness tampering.

“Thanks to proactive policing by the Lady Lake Police Department, one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted fugitives has been captured,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Ashley Johnson said.

Following his arrest, Fields is set to make his initial appearance in federal court in Florida. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against child exploitation and the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies at all levels to bring perpetrators to justice.