A US man who was previously featured on the FBI’s Most Wanted list has pleaded guilty to a serious child sex trafficking charge, admitting to exploiting a minor over several years in exchange for money and gifts.Fields, 61, pleaded guilty to one count of child sex trafficking. According to prosecutors, he admitted to allowing a co-defendant access to a minor beginning when she was 14 years old, in exchange for cash and other valuables.The abuse reportedly took place between 2013 and 2016, during which he received items including money, a car, a motorcycle, holiday gifts, and vacations.
Who is 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 individual to be placed on the list.Originally from Kentucky, Fields was living in Union, Missouri, in the Greater St. Louis area before going on the run, where he worked as a tree trimmer and an independent used car dealer.Authorities allege that between 2013 and 2017, he was involved in a child sex trafficking operation. According to the 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, following a traffic stop.
Role of co-defendant
The co-defendant, Theodore “Ted” John Sartori Sr., allegedly engaged in repeated illegal sexual activity with the minor during this period. Officials said he provided Fields with financial benefits and funded trips in exchange for access to the victim.In 2016, Sartori financed a trip to Florida and drove the minor there with the intention of engaging in sexual activity. Fields instructed the minor to comply, prosecutors said.
Arrest after years on the run
Fields was indicted in December 2022 but failed to appear in court, leading to his inclusion on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.He remained a fugitive 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. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Co-accused already 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.Apart from the federal case, Fields also faces multiple state-level charges, including child sexual abuse, rape, and witness tampering in Missouri. Prosecutors have indicated that the victim in the federal case is also linked to the state proceedings.The case was investigated by the FBI along with state and local law enforcement agencies.
