After nearly five years of evading authorities, Allen Todd May, a 58-year-old federal fugitive, has been apprehended in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he was found living a lavish lifestyle.
The long-awaited arrest was made on Tuesday night by the Deputy U.S. Marshals of the Southern District of Florida, aided by Task Force Officers from the Florida-Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Reports are that authorities found May residing in a luxurious dwelling located in proximity to East Cypress Creek Road and Northeast 18th Avenue, less than two miles from the ocean.
The high-end neighborhood is known for its pricey real estate, with many homes appraised at over $1 million.
This indulgent living was a far cry from May’s past, which included a 20-year sentence in a federal prison for mail fraud in Texas in 2012.
May’s situation took an unexpected turn in 2018 when, after his transfer to a Colorado prison, authorities discovered during a prisoner count that he had escaped.
The oil and gas royalty scam
Investigations revealed that during his time in prison and prior to his escape, May had fraudulently claimed oil and gas royalties intended for several business entities.
He accomplished this by filing counterfeit documents that made him appear as the legitimate representative of these companies.
Reports are that the royalty scam, which ran from mid-2016 to the end of 2018, is estimated to have netted May more than $700,000.
In 2022, he faced charges for this scheme, including ten counts of wire fraud and seven counts of mail fraud, but remained elusive.
In September 2022, the U.S. Marshals declared a $5,000 reward for any information leading to May’s capture.
Tipster provides leads into the investigation
This incentive prompted tips that guided investigations towards California, Wisconsin, Michigan, Texas, and Florida.
Among these tipsters was an anonymous informant who provided valuable insights into May’s potential online presence and possible pseudonyms, specifically “Cary Bailey.”
Although these leads were pursued, May’s exact whereabouts remained unconfirmed until July 25, when the same informant offered a significant breakthrough — a photo believed to be of May, published on the Palm Beach Daily News website.
This led to the discovery of another alias and a potential location: a penthouse in Palm Beach.
Authorities tail suspected accomplice to Fort Lauderdale
Despite surveillance being set up on the Palm Beach apartment on Monday, May was not spotted until Tuesday, when an individual believed to be his accomplice was seen driving away in a U-Haul rental truck.
Authorities tailed the truck nearly 50 miles from Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale, leading them to the lavish home near East Cypress Creek Road and Northeast 18th Avenue.
Authorities said that upon his emergence from the home, the man was apprehended and confirmed to be May.
He was booked into a local jail and will be taken back to Colorado.
The District of Colorado U.S. Marshal, Kirk Taylor, offered recognition and gratitude towards the anonymous tipster whose information significantly contributed to May’s capture.
He also applauded the determination of the Deputy U.S. Marshals, who diligently pursued leads over the years, ultimately culminating in May’s arrest in the Southern District of Florida.
