An Oklahoma man who faked his own death to evade authorities has been apprehended 13 years later. Anthony Lennon, 49, was taken into custody on Thursday in Canton, New York, where he had been residing under the alias Justin Philips.
Lennon had been on the run since 2012 after orchestrating a dramatic disappearance from a Super 8 Motel in Moore, Oklahoma, where he worked. Law enforcement officials described the scene as an “elaborate and bloody abduction and robbery,” complete with large amounts of blood that were confirmed to be Lennon’s, according to a statement from the Moore Police Department.
Chief Gibson of the Moore Police Department remarked, “He went to extremes, and we confirmed that the substantial blood found at the scene was indeed his.” He added, “Mr. Lennon might consider himself clever, but he is not as smart as he believes,” as reported by Local 12.
Lennon’s decision to flee was driven by mounting legal issues. In 2008, he received a 20-year suspended sentence for aggravated possession of child pornography. His troubles intensified in March 2012 when a task force uncovered more child pornography, leading to his arrest. On the day of his arrest, Lennon allegedly executed his elaborate plan to disappear.
🚨After 13 years on the run, Oklahoma’s Ten Most Wanted fugitive Anthony Lennon has been captured. Lennon faked his own kidnapping in Moore in 2012 to avoid arrest. This case remains active, but Lennon will finally be held accountable for his crimes. Press release attached. pic.twitter.com/liPFzjcg0D
— Moore Police Dept. (@MoorePolice) October 31, 2025
Lennon’s motive for fleeing stemmed from escalating legal trouble. MPD reported that in 2008, he was given a 20-year suspended sentence for the aggravated possession of child pornography.
Then, in March 2012, a task force discovered further child pornography, leading to his arrest. On the day of his arrest, Lennon allegedly executed an elaborate vanishing act.
During his time as a fugitive, Lennon was reportedly a student at a local university in Canton, pursuing a doctorate in computer science. Law enforcement is currently conducting investigations in New York to determine if Lennon committed any additional crimes while evading capture, according to Local 12.
Cleveland County District Attorney Jennifer Austen expressed hope for a severe sentence now that Lennon is in custody.
“Hopefully, now we can sentence Mr. Lennon to prison, and he can be there for the rest of his life because these crimes carry up to life, and there will be no more children harmed by him,” Austen said.
Anthony Lennon: Timeline of Events
2008: Lennon receives a 20-year suspended sentence after being convicted of aggravated possession of child pornography.
2012: A task force discovers additional child pornography, leading to Lennon’s arrest.
March 201: Lennon stages an elaborate disappearance, faking his own death at a Super 8 Motel where he worked, leaving behind a large amount of his own blood. He goes into hiding.
2012–2025 (13 Years): Lennon evades law enforcement, living under the alias “Justin Philips” and reportedly pursuing a computer science doctorate at New York University in Canton.
Thursday Night (10/30): Anthony Lennon is successfully apprehended in Canton, by law enforcement.
Presently, Lennon is charged with an open count of murder (related to his faked death staging) and tampering with evidence.
Authorities are investigating to determine if he committed further crimes while a fugitive.
[Feature Photos via Moore PD]
