Lake County Sheriff Arrests Cousin Of Fugitive
On December 18th, 2020, Lake County Sheriff’s Department officers arrested a cousin of fugitive and homicide suspect Leon Taylor, who is now the subject of a nationwide manhunt. Taylor escaped from a private contractor’s transport vehicle while being extradited to Lake County from Dallas, Texas December 14, 2020.
Antorries Brown Jr, 22, Leon’s cousin, was charged with Assisting a Criminal, a Level 5 Felony, according to The Lake County Sheriff affidavit.
Brown was communicating via Facebook Messenger claiming to be Taylor to numerous individuals. One individual was a Lake County Investigator using a fake profile posing as an “attractive female” to gather information on Leon, the affidavit states. During this time the investigator found a profile believed to be Leon’s under the alias “Loaded Lu” and matched pictures on the profile to those fitting Leon’s description. One of the messages to the investigator stated, he needed a friend. The conversation continued via phone texts since Brown said Facebook was “hot right now.” During these text conversations he made himself known to be Leon Taylor. The messages back and fourth asked the investigator to send money so he could “make a move.” Brown told the investigator to send the money via the CashApp. The CashApp did in fact belong to Leon Taylor, police learned. Police also learned this phone was used by Leon Taylor and associates before he was incarcerated.
While this was occurring police tracked the phone to the 4200 block of Jackson in Gary. Lake County SWAT executed a search warrant on the house and found the phone, narcotics, along with firearms.
“Make no mistake. Anyone who helps Taylor will be arrested and brought to justice,” said Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. “The Lake County Sheriff’s Department is intensifying efforts to find this dangerous fugitive and we are using all resources at our disposal to bring him back into custody.”
“I am extremely encouraged by the work of Lake County Sheriff’s Department investigators who used their knowledge and expertise with social media to arrest 22-year-old Antorries Brown, who has stated he is Leon Taylor’s cousin,” Sheriff Martinez said.
The U.S. Marshals Service is assisting with the search and is now offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to Taylor’s arrest.
“If you see Taylor or know his current location, please call 9-1-1 immediately,” Sheriff Martinez said. “You can also submit tips in real time through the Lake County Sheriff’s Department mobile app. Simply download it from your app store.”
We have investigators monitoring our 24-hour Lake County Sheriff’s Department Report-A-Crime Hotline as well: 1-800-750-2746.
“Our officers have been working around the clock to find Taylor, and we will not stop until he is arrested.” Sheriff Martinez added.
