U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force Capture Long Hill, NJ, Fugitive After 12 Years on the Run

Newark, NJ – After more than a decade of evading law enforcement, a fugitive wanted in New Jersey has been apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, bringing long awaited justice to the victim and the community.

Adan Lemus, 49, was initially arrested on charges for criminal sexual contact in 2013 after he allegedly used physical force on a victim for sexual gratification.  However, after being released on bond, Lemus fled New Jersey, and a subsequent warrant was issued in 2014 for Failure to Appear.

Lemus, an unlawfully present fugitive from El Salvador, was taken into custody Thursday morning by members of the Albany Division of the New York/New Jersey Regional Task Force in Schenectady, N.Y.  

Investigators determined that Lemus fled the area shortly after his arrest and spent the past 12 years actively evading capture and avoiding law enforcement contact.  However, despite these efforts, Deputy U.S. Marshals and task force officers remained committed to tracking him down.  

“This arrest sends a clear message: time does not erase accountability,” said Nicholas Ricigliano, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of New Jersey.  “No matter how long it takes, we will continue to pursue criminals and ensure they face accountability.”  

The arrest of Lemus was the result of persistent investigative work, coordination with partner agencies from the Long Hill Police Department and Morris Couty Prosecutor’s Office, and the continued dedication of law enforcement personnel wo refuse to let cases go cold.

Lemus is currently being held at the Schenectady County Jail pending extradition to Morris County, where he will face charges for criminal sexual contact and failure to appear.

The U.S. Marshals have a long history of providing assistance and expertise to other law enforcement agencies in support of fugitive investigations. The success of U.S. Marshals task force initiatives, combined with the outstanding relationships forged with other law enforcement agencies, has led to the formation of permanent fugitive task forces, as well as ad-hoc task forces in response to unique cases that pose immediate threat to the public. In 2025, U.S. Marshals Service-led fugitive task forces arrested over 73,000 federal, state and local fugitives and cleared nearly 88,000 warrants.

For more information about the U.S. Marshals Service and our fugitive enforcement operations, please visit www.usmarshals.gov or submit tips about U.S. Marshals wanted fugitives, non-compliant sex offenders, or missing children anonymously through the USMS Tips app, online usmarshals.gov/tips, or by calling 1-877-WANTED2 (1-877-926-8332). Tips can be submitted 24/7, and the system allows for anonymous two-way communication.