One of FBI Houston's Most Wanted Fugitives Captured

May 19, 2010 - HOUSTON—FBI agents have captured Jacqueline Lebaron, one of FBI Houston’s most wanted fugitives, Special Agent in Charge Richard C. Powers announced today. More than 17 years after being indicted along with several family members with numerous federal offenses, including Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) violations and conspiracy to obstruct religious beliefs arising from the June 1988 murders in Houston and Irving, Texas, of four former members of the “Lamb of God” religious sect, including an 8-year-old girl, Jacqueline Lebaron, also known as Melanie Martin and Tarsa Lebaron, is in federal custody.

Acting on a tip, the FBI located Lebaron in Moroceli, El Paraisio, Honduras. Expelled from Honduras on Thursday, May 13, 2010, Lebaron arrived in Houston at approximately 4:30 p.m. yesterday.

This long fugitive apprehension effort could not have been accomplished without the help of the media and the public over the course of the years. Lebaron’s arrest was ultimately effected with the assistance of the FBI Legat Office in El Salvador, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Interpol, and the U.S. Consulate in Honduras.

“Jacqueline Tarsa LeBaron was the sole remaining fugitive in this tragic case, and therefore this is a significant capture that should send a message to all fugitives from justice that the FBI and its partners in law enforcement remain committed to seeking justice no matter how long it may take.”

The original charges filed in August 1992 and superseded in October 1992 are the result of an investigation conducted by the Houston Police Department and the Houston office of the FBI.

Lebaron made her initial appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge in Houston at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 14, 2010. The government is seeking to detain Lebaron in federal custody without bond pending further criminal proceedings. The court is expected to set a date for a hearing on the government’s motion for next week.

An indictment is merely a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted by due process of law.