FBI Launches Electronic Billboard Campaign to Locate Wanted Fugitive

Today, the Knoxville Division of the FBI launched an electronic billboard campaign throughout Tennessee and Georgia with the intent of locating a fugitive wanted in east Tennessee. Leslie Janous, age 36, of Knoxville, Tennessee, pled guilty to two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering during February 2011 and is scheduled to appear for sentencing on July 18, 2011. A warrant was issued on April 10, 2011 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee charging Janous with violating conditions of her pre-trial release imposed by the court.

Through its Digital Billboard Initiative in partnership with Lamar Outdoor Advertising, the FBI has placed Janous’ photo on electronic billboards throughout Tennessee. “This partnership is an important tool in today’s world of instant communication,” said Richard Lambert, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Knoxville Division. “With the flip of a switch, we have the ability to display a suspect’s face bringing immediate public attention to this fugitive’s wanted status.”

Janous is described as a white female, approximately 5’6” tall , and weighing approximately 200 pounds. Anyone with information about Janous’ whereabouts is being asked to contact the Knoxville Division of the FBI at 865-544-0751.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.