An American man, previously on the FBI’s most wanted list, has pleaded guilty to a serious charge of child sex trafficking, admitting to exploiting a minor over several years in exchange for money and gifts.Fields, 61, pleaded guilty to a charge of child sex trafficking. According to prosecutors, he admitted to allowing another defendant to have access to a minor when she was 14 years old, in exchange for cash and other valuables.The abuse reportedly occurred between 2013 and 2016, during which he received items including money, a car, a motorcycle, holiday gifts, and vacations.
Who is he Donald Eugene Fields II
Donald Eugene Fields II (born July 9, 1964) is an American former fugitive who was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list on May 25, 2023.
He was the 531st person to be included on the list.Originally from Kentucky, Fields lived in Union, Missouri, in the greater St. Louis area before fleeing, where he worked as a tree trimmer and independent used car dealer.Authorities allege that between 2013 and 2017, he was involved in a child sex trafficking operation. According to prosecutors, he attempted to recruit and provide a minor for commercial sexual activity, receiving money, motorcycles, vacations and gifts in return.
He was arrested on January 25, 2025 in Lady Lake, Florida after a traffic stop.
The role of the co-defendant
The co-defendant, Theodore “Ted” John Sartori Sr., allegedly engaged in repeated unlawful sexual activity with the minor during this period. Officials said he provided Fields with financial benefits and sponsored trips in exchange for access to the victim.In 2016, Sartori financed a trip to Florida and transported the minor there with the intention of engaging in sexual activity.
Prosecutors said Fields ordered the minor to comply.
He was arrested after years on the run
Fields was indicted in December 2022, but failed to appear in court, resulting in him being placed on the FBI’s Most Wanted List.He remained on the run until January 2025, when a routine traffic stop in Florida led to his arrest after officers identified him.Fields is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15. This charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.
The other defendants have already been sentenced
Sartori, 65, previously pleaded guilty to traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence.Aside from the federal case, Fields also faces multiple state charges, including child sexual assault, rape and witness tampering in Missouri. Prosecutors noted that the victim in the federal case is also connected to the state proceedings.The case was investigated by the FBI along with state and local law enforcement agencies.
