Sevierville Police Arrest Two Fugitives From New York

Detectives with the Sevierville Police Department (SPD) were notified yesterday, May 10, 2016 that two fugitives wanted by New York authorities may be in the area. According to SPD Detective Ray Brown, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation stated that 35-year old Anthony Strangis of Fairhaven, MA and 43-year old Sarma Melngailas of New York, NY were wanted on fugitive from justice warrants from New York.

While attempting to locate the two individuals, Detective Brown and Detective Kevin Bush received information leading them to the Fairfield Inn, 1650 Parkway in Sevierville. The detectives were able to determine that Strangis and Melngailas were at the hotel. With assistance from patrol officers the two were arrested without incident at approximately 3:45PM on May 10, 2016 and transported to the Sevier County Jail. 

Strangis also has warrants from New York for grand larceny, scheme to defraud and violation of labor law; Melngailas also has warrants from New York for grand larceny, criminal tax fraud, scheme to defraud and violation of labor law.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.