Police search for Texarkana fugitive who staged death after child?sex charges
Posted/updated on: May 2, 2026 at 3:10 am
TEXARKANA (KETK) — The Texarkana Police Department needs the public’s help in finding a man wanted for multiple offenses related to the sexual assault of a child after he posted bond and faked his death.
According to the police, 46-year-old Gordon Lemons was arrested in July 2024 for aggravated sexual assault of a child, but was later released after posting a $150,000 bond.
Similar charges were to filed against Lemons in May 2025, but Lemons allegedly attempted to fake his own death and fled the area days beforehand. He traveled to South Texas and attempted to cross into Mexico, but was picked up by ex-girlfriend, Thesia Griffin, to help avoid law enforcement instead.
Griffin was arrested on Tuesday for hindering apprehension and booked into the Bowie County Jail for assisting Lemons, the police department said.
“We now have evidence that Lemons is hiding out in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with help from family and friends,” the police department announced on Thursday. “Lemons should be considered dangerous. Please do not attempt to approach him.”
The Texarkana Police Department urges anyone with information to call them at 903-798-3116 or submit a tip to Texarkana Area Crime Stoppers to be eligible for a cash reward at 903-793-STOP or at http://www.p3tips.com.
