Former FBI Most Wanted fugitive has pleaded not guilty to child sex charges in U.S. District Court in St. Louis. Donald Eugene Fields II, 60, was arrested in Florida on January 26th after being on the run for over two years.
Fields was indicted in December 2022 on charges of child sex trafficking and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. He was apprehended during a traffic stop in Lady Lake, Florida, after Sgt. Bilbrey discovered he was on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.
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“Donald Fields II will finally answer federal charges thanks to the outstanding work by the Lady Lake Police Department,” said Special Agent in Charge Ashley Johnson of the FBI St. Louis Division. “We applaud the bravery of the alleged victims, who showed up in court today to face the defendant for the first time since he became a federal fugitive more than two years ago. The FBI will continue to provide victim services to support their emotional journey through the legal process.”
Fields appeared in court on Friday and entered a plea of not guilty.
Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt commended Sgt. Bilbrey and the department for outstanding work. “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,” said Chief Hunt. “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.”
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The case was investigated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, with assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri State Technical Assistance Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Edwards is prosecuting the case.
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