Philippines Captures Suspected Child Predator from the US in 80s Cold Case

American Fugitive Detained in the Philippines

An American fugitive wanted for kidnapping and sexually assaulting children in Florida nearly 40 years ago has been captured in the Philippines, according to authorities.

On April 23, officers from the Philippine Immigration Bureau (BI) apprehended Tom Talmadge, 69, at a residence in Cavite province. This arrest followed information passed to them by Homeland Security Investigations. Talmadge is facing charges issued by the Hillsborough County 13th Circuit Court in Florida, which include sexual assault of a minor under 12, lewd acts with a child, and aggravated kidnapping.

The allegations trace back to a 1989 incident at Tampa Lanes, a bowling alley that has since closed, in the Egyptian Lake Leto area. A source familiar with the investigation shared that Talmadge allegedly approached a 7-year-old girl, gave her some coins from an arcade, and took her to his vehicle. It is claimed that he sexually assaulted her before leaving her at another bowling alley, where she was later found by bystanders. A search was launched by employees and customers at Tampa Lanes when she went missing.

For over three decades, the suspect’s identity remained a mystery. However, investigative efforts combining genealogy and preserved DNA evidence eventually linked Talmadge to the crime. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed that his DNA matched the evidence collected from the crime scene.

Currently, Talmadge is being held at the BI Observatory facility in Taguig City while awaiting proceedings for deportation. Officials from the Hillsborough County State’s Attorney’s Office noted that he has not yet been sent back to the United States. According to BI Director Joel Anthony Viard, “Alien fugitives who have committed crimes against children will not find refuge here.”