NORTHEAST TEXAS — Northeast Texas Area Crime Stoppers is highlighting the role anonymous tips played in the capture of a Texas 10 Most Wanted fugitive accused of multiple child sex offenses.
The organization, which serves Titus and Franklin counties, announced it assisted Texas Crime Stoppers in ensuring a $5,000 reward was paid after information from an anonymous tip led to the arrest of 47-year-old Gordon Dale Lemons.
Lemons, who was featured on the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list, was captured June 2, 2026, near Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Criminal Investigations Division special agents in Texarkana received the tip that ultimately led Arkansas State Police and the Hot Spring County Sheriff's Office to locate and arrest Lemons in a rural area of southern Hot Spring County.
Lemons was wanted on warrants out of Bowie County charging him with two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, two counts of Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact, and 11 counts of Indecency with a Child by Exposure.
Authorities said Lemons was initially arrested in July 2024 on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child but was released after posting bond. He had been wanted since May 2025 after failing to answer the new charges.
Because the arrest resulted from information submitted through Texas Crime Stoppers, a $5,000 reward was paid to the anonymous tipster.
Northeast Texas Area Crime Stoppers emphasized that it protects the identity of those who submit tips, noting its mission is to receive information rather than personal identities.
Officials said the case demonstrates the value of cooperation between the public, law enforcement, media, and Crime Stoppers organizations in locating dangerous fugitives and improving public safety.
