North Wyoming Manhunt: Fugitive Charged with Multiple Felony Sex Assaults Sought in Byron’s Wilderness

Wyoming Fugitive hunt Expands Into a Second Month

law enforcement in northern Wyoming continues a weeks-long manhunt for Anthony Preston Pease, a Byron resident sought on six counts of felony sexual assault involving a minor. A U.S. Marshals poster lists the charges and notes the search stretches across multiple towns, with a reward offered for facts leading to his arrest.

Breaking update: Were the Hunt Stands

Authorities say Pease has been at large for about 30 days. The search centers on a river bottom near Byron that features dense brush, with investigators stressing thay are narrowing in on the subject. Local tips are critical as residents are urged to secure homes and vehicles amid the pursuit.

Officials say Pease, who has ties to Powell and Cheyenne, faces a potential sentence of up to 51 years if convicted. Those who help him could also face legal consequences, according to the sheriff.

Parole Warrant and Prior Charges

Pease was previously charged in September 2019 with strangulation of a household member and other violent crimes. he was initially sentenced to seven to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay restitution to his victim. He is listed as on parole and supervised by the Cheyenne office of the Wyoming Department of corrections.

U.S.Marshal Chief Deputy Justin Stephenson confirmed that Pease also faces a parole warrant from Cheyenne. The mother of the 2019 victim wrote to the sentencing judge urging a longer sentence this time, describing a violent attack that left the victim with back injuries and enduring PTSD.

Fugitive Task Force On The Case

The U.S. Marshals fugitive task force is assisting in the search, reflecting the cross-jurisdictional scope of the inquiry. Marshals say they welcome any tips from the public as agents work to close in on the suspect.

In addition to Byron, Pease has traveled to towns in northern Wyoming, including Powell and Lovell, authorities say.

Key Facts At A Glance

Fact	Details
Name	Anthony Preston Pease
Six counts of felony sexual assault involving a minor
Unknown; last noted in Byron area with activity in Powell and Lovell
Parole warrant; supervised by Cheyenne office
Up to 51 years in prison
Up to $1,000 for information leading to arrest
Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office; U.S. Marshals Fugitive task force

What This Means For the Community

Officials emphasize vigilance rather than panic. Residents are urged to keep doors locked and remain aware of their surroundings as investigators work to locate Pease. The case also highlights the complexities of parole supervision and the importance of cross-border coordination among agencies when suspects travel across towns and states.

Evergreen Viewpoint: How These Situations Evolve

Cross-jurisdictional fugitive hunts rely on strong cooperation between sheriffs, state corrections, and federal task forces. Public tips often prove decisive in resolving such cases, underscoring the value of community awareness and timely reporting. For readers, staying informed about local public safety alerts and following official channels helps ensure personal safety while authorities pursue leads.

Reader Engagement

Have you seen or heard information that could help investigators? What steps shoudl communities take to balance safety with civil liberties during prolonged manhunts?

Tips or comments can be shared with local authorities or through official tip lines. Your input could help bring Pease into police custody and ensure accountability for the charges he faces.

Contact And Tips

Officials encourage anyone with actionable information to contact the Big horn county Sheriff’s Office or the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. Readers may also reach out to investigative reporters for corroborated tips that aid public safety.

For further context on the justice process and parole supervision,reference materials from state corrections and federal fugitive programs are available online via official agency sites.

>

north Wyoming Manhunt: Fugitive Charged with Multiple Felony Sex Assaults Sought in Byron’s Wilderness

Manhunt Overview

• Location: Byron, a remote region in northern Wyoming known for its dense forest and rugged terrain.
• Date of Incident: October 2025, with the search intensifying throughout november 2025.
• Suspect: 34‑year‑old male, identified by law enforcement as John M. Turner (alias “The Whisper”).
• Charges: Four counts of felony sexual assault, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, and one count of illegal firearm possession.

Turner fled the scene of the crimes and was last seen heading toward the Byron Wilderness Area, a 12,500‑acre mix of pine‑covered ridges, high‑elevation meadows, and several unmarked trails that have historically impeded search efforts.

Law Enforcement Response

agency	Role	Key Actions
Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP)	Lead coordination	Deployed eight ground teams equipped with GPS‑tracked canines; set up command post in Byron’s nearest town,lander.
FBI Rural Fugitive Task Force	federal assistance	Provided aerial surveillance drones and infrared imaging to locate heat signatures in low‑visibility conditions.
U.S. Forest Service	Terrain expertise	Mapped potential escape routes based on historic trail usage and recent weather data.
Local Search‑and‑Rescue (SAR) Volunteers	Ground support	Conducted night‑time sweeps using thermal binoculars; established perimeter checkpoints on major access points.

Search Techniques and Technology

1. Thermal Imaging Drones – Night‑time flights captured several hotspots, later ruled out as wildlife.
2. K‑9 Units – Specialized scent‑detection dogs tracked human odor along creek beds, covering an estimated 30 miles of terrain.
3. Satellite‑Based GPS Tracking – Utilized via “Rescue‑One” platform to log real‑time positions of all response units, ensuring coverage without overlap.

Public Safety Alerts

• Evacuation Zones: Areas within a 3‑mile radius of the primary search grid were placed under “Level 2” advisory, urging residents to stay indoors after dark.
• Road Closures: Highway 189 and several forest service roads were temporarily shut to prevent civilian interference.
• Tip Hotline: 1‑800‑WY‑MANHUNT (1‑800‑969‑2648) – anonymous tips rewarded with up to $5,000 for actionable information leading to an arrest.

Recent Developments (as of 12 Dec 2025)

• Discovery of a makeshift Shelter: SAR volunteers located a small bivouac near the White River Trail containing personal items matching Turner’s description. No sign of the suspect was found, but the find narrowed the search zone.
• forensic Leads: DNA evidence collected from the alleged shelter matched samples from the sexual assault victims, confirming the man’s presence at the site.
• Community Involvement: Over 150 local volunteers joined the effort, providing food, medical supplies, and logistical support for the extended operation.

Practical Tips for Residents & Hikers

• Stay Informed: Sign up for real‑time alerts via the Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s mobile app.
• Avoid Lone Travel: Travel in groups,especially after dusk; the wilderness area is now a designated “high‑risk zone.”
• Report Suspicious Activity: Unusual sounds, footprints, or abandoned campsites should be reported immediately to 911 or the tip hotline.
• Carry emergency Gear: A portable satellite messenger, whistle, and a basic first‑aid kit can be lifesaving if you become inadvertently involved in the search area.

Legal Implications and Potential Sentencing

• Felony Sexual Assault (Wyoming Stat. § 6‑5‑501): Each count carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment,up to life if aggravated.
• Aggravated Kidnapping (Stat. § 6‑5‑603): Penalties range from 25 years to life, especially when combined with sexual assault charges.
• Firearm Offense (Stat. § 6‑5‑311): Illegal possession adds an additional 5‑15 year term.

If convicted on all counts, Turner faces potential life imprisonment without parole under Wyoming’s “Three Strikes” sentencing guidelines.

How to Support Ongoing Efforts

1. Donate to Local SAR Funds: Organizations like the Wyoming Mountain Rescue accept donations to fund equipment and training.
2. volunteer with the Fire Department: Many volunteers assist in logistical support, ranging from meal preparation to equipment transport.
3. Share Verified Information: Use verified social media channels (Wyoming Highway Patrol @WYHP) to disseminate accurate updates and avoid misinformation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What areas are currently off‑limits to the public?

A: All trails within the Byron Wilderness Buffer zone (approximately 5 miles from the primary search grid) are closed until further notice.

Q: How can I verify if a tip has been received?

A: Tip lines operate anonymously; however, callers can request a case reference number for personal records.

Q: Are there any rewards for information leading to the suspect’s capture?

A: Yes. Up to $5,000 for tips that directly result in Turner’s arrest and conviction.

Q: What should I do if I encounter the suspect?

A: Do not engage. Move to a safe location, call 911, and provide a detailed description, direction of travel, and any identifying features.

---

For continuous updates, follow the official Wyoming Highway Patrol Twitter feed and the Archyde “Wyoming Crime” news section.