An American man who was previously included on the FBI’s Most Wanted list has pleaded guilty to felony child sex trafficking charges and admitted exploiting a minor for years in exchange for money and gifts.Fields, 61, pleaded guilty to one count of child sex trafficking. According to prosecutors, she admitted to allowing the co-defendant a small start in exchange for cash and other valuables when she was 14 years old.The abuse allegedly occurred between 2013 and 2016, during which he received items including money, a car, a motorcycle, holiday gifts and vacations.
Who is it 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 in the list.Originally from Kentucky, Fields was living in Union, Missouri, in the Greater St. Louis area before escaping, 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 prosecutors, he attempted to recruit and provide a minor for commercial sexual activity, receiving money, motorcycles, vacations and gifts in exchange. He was arrested on January 25, 2025, following a traffic stop in Lady Lake, Florida.
Role of co-defendant
Co-defendant, Theodore “Ted” John Sartori Sr., allegedly repeatedly engaged in illicit sexual activity with the minor during this period. Authorities 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 took a minor there with the intent to engage in sexual activity. Prosecutors said Fields instructed the minor to comply.
Arrest after years of absconding
Fields was convicted 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 he was arrested after authorities identified him following a routine traffic stop in Florida.Fields is scheduled to be sentenced July 15. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Co-accused have already been sentenced
Sartori, 65, previously pleaded guilty to traveling with the intent to engage in illegal sexual conduct and is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence.In addition to 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 connected to state proceedings.The case was investigated by the FBI along with state and local law enforcement agencies, uncovering a long pattern of abuse and exploitation.
