Oklahoma City, OK – An Oklahoma man who allegedly filmed himself sexually abusing a baby and distributing the video via social media has been arrested today by U.S. Marshals in Texas.
Members of the USMS Lone Star Fugitive Task Force – Austin Division took Brice Gage Watkins, 22, into custody shortly before 3:30 p.m. EST at a known associate’s residence in the 200 block of Cordero Drive in San Marcos, Texas.
The arrest is a result of a collateral lead sent by the USMS Western District of Oklahoma Metro Fugitive Task Force in Oklahoma City.
The alleged abuse occurred in Enid. Enid police had charged Watkins Aug. 14 with one felony count of distribution of child pornography. Additional charges of manufacturing child pornography and three counts of lewd acts with a child under 12 were added Aug. 28. The child turned 1 in June.
U.S. Marshals task forces combine the efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest the most dangerous fugitives. Fifty-six local task forces are dedicated to reducing violent crime by locating and apprehending wanted criminals. They also serve as the central point for agencies to share information on fugitive matters. Task force officers are state and local police officers who receive special deputations with the Marshals. While on a task force, these officers can exercise U.S. Marshals authorities, such as crossing jurisdictional lines.
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.