Donald Eugene Fields II, previously on the FBI's Most Wanted list, appeared in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to plead not guilty to charges related to child sex offenses. Fields, aged 60, was apprehended during a traffic stop in Lady Lake, Florida on January 26 after police identified him as a fugitive.
The indictment against Fields dates back to December 7, 2022, and includes charges of child sex trafficking and traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Legal proceedings emphasize that an indictment consists of accusations and does not equate to guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
"Donald Fields II will finally answer federal charges thanks to the outstanding work by the Lady Lake Police Department," stated Ashley Johnson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI St. Louis Division. Johnson commended the courage of the alleged victims who confronted Fields in court for the first time since he became a fugitive over two years ago. The FBI has committed to providing victim services throughout their legal journey.
The investigation into this case was a collaborative effort involving the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and the FBI, with support from both the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri State Technical Assistance Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Edwards is leading the prosecution.
This legal action is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. This project coordinates resources across federal, state, and local levels to prosecute offenders exploiting children online while also working towards victim identification and rescue.
For further details about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
