Connecticut Fugitive on Child Pornography Charges Caught in Texas After 10 Years

Connecticut Fugitive Caught After 10 Years

A Connecticut fugitive who had been on the run for more than a decade has been arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service at the Texas border while he was attempting to return from Mexico.

Thomas Marcel, the Connecticut fugitive since 2012,  was failing to appear before a Connecticut State judge in Norwich. Marcel had been arrested on charges of child pornography and enticing a minor by computer in 2008, Fox News reported.

Thomas Marcel
On January 13, 2023, Thomas Marcel, a Connecticut fugitive, was apprehended by the Connecticut State Police, U.S. Marshal Connecticut Violent Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Marshal Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (El Paso, TX), and Customs and Border Protection. (Photo: U.S. Marshals Service )

The Connecticut fugitive was quickly apprehended at the El Paso border by a joint effort of the U.S. Marshal Connecticut Violent Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Marshal Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (El Paso, Texas), Connecticut State Police, and Customs and Border Protection.

READ ALSO: Illinois Man Indicted With 20 Counts Of Child Pornography Possession and Distribution

It is a relief to know that the Connecticut fugitive who had been accused of such heinous crimes has been finally arrested. Child pornography and enticing minors by computer are serious offenses that can cause irreparable harm to innocent children. The fact that Marcel was able to evade the law for more than a decade highlights the need for better collaboration and information sharing between law enforcement agencies.

The U.S. Marshals Service and its partner agencies deserve commendation for their swift action and dedication to tracking down fugitives.

The Connecticut fugitive, Marcel is currently being held at the El Paso County Detention Facility in Texas, awaiting extradition back to Connecticut to face the charge of failure to appear in the first degree. It is hoped that his arrest will bring some closure and peace of mind to the victims and their families. It is also a reminder that no matter how long it takes, the law will eventually catch up to those who commit such heinous crimes.

READ ALSO: Former Pennsylvania Track Coach Pleads Guilty Over Child Pornography