Eric Justin Toth | |
---|---|
FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive | |
Reward | $100,000 |
Alias | David Bussone[1] |
Description | |
Born | Hammond, Indiana | February 13, 1982
Nationality | American |
Gender | Male |
Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
Weight | 155 lb (70 kg) |
Occupation | Teacher |
Status | |
Convictions |
|
Penalty | 25 years in prison |
Added | April 10, 2012 |
Caught | April 22, 2013 |
Number | 495 |
Captured | |
Eric Justin Toth (born February 13, 1982), also known under the alias David Bussone, is an American former fugitive and sex offender convicted of possessing and producing child pornography.[1] On April 10, 2012, Toth replaced Osama bin Laden on the FBI Ten Most Wanted list as the 495th fugitive to be placed on that list by the FBI.[1] One alleged reason he was chosen for the list is that his distinctive appearance—he is tall and thin, with a mole under his left eye—would make it hard for him to hide if his case became well publicized.[2] Toth was captured in Esteli, Nicaragua on April 10, 2013[3] and extradited on April 22, 2013, to the United States to face trial.[4]
Eric Toth was born in Hammond, Indiana, and was raised in Highland, Indiana. Toth attended Cornell University for a year and transferred to Purdue University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in education.[5][6] In 2008, he was accused of producing pornographic photographs and video footage of young boys while working as a third-grade teacher in Washington, D.C.[7]
Toth has often been described as a computer expert; he has demonstrated above-average knowledge regarding computers, the use of the Internet, and security awareness.[5] Toth has the ability to integrate into various socio-economic classes and is an expert at social engineering.[5] He used social networking sites regularly. His educational background was conducive to gaining employment in fields having a connection to children. Some have described Toth as a compulsive liar.[8]
Toth was captured by the Nicaraguan police in April 2013 in Estelí, a northern city of Nicaragua. He was immediately extradited to the United States to face trial.[9][10]
In March 2014, Toth was sentenced in federal court to 25 years in prison. He is currently incarcerated at FCI Fort Dix.[11]