Donald E. Fields II, a 60-year-old man from Franklin County, Missouri, was arrested on Saturday in Lady Lake, Florida, after being wanted by the FBI for multiple charges related to child sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Fields was taken into custody during a routine traffic stop at approximately 8 a.m. Central Time. The FBI had been searching for Fields after it was discovered that his vehicle’s license plate did not match the one registered to the car he was driving.
Fields had been added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list in May 2023 due to serious charges stemming from his actions in Franklin County. He faced numerous child sexual abuse charges and was indicted in December 2022 on federal charges of child sex trafficking. The FBI had been actively investigating him, and a warrant for his arrest was issued in March 2022 after Fields failed to appear for a court hearing and subsequently disappeared from his home.
Between January 2013 and June 2017, Fields allegedly attempted to recruit, entice, provide, and solicit a minor for commercial sex acts, according to the charges. His arrest marks a significant step toward justice for the victims involved.
Franklin County Sheriff Steven Pelton expressed relief over the arrest, stating, “We are beyond grateful that Donald Fields will be brought to justice to answer to the crimes he is charged with.” He also praised the Lady Lake Police for their role in apprehending Fields, emphasizing the importance of bringing justice to the victims.
While Fields is currently in custody in Florida, a date for his appearance in federal court has not been set. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to ensuring that Fields faces the full consequences for his alleged crimes.
