Austin fugitive William James Smith, 46, is back in custody after the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force tracked him down Thursday on a felony warrant alleging he failed to register as a sex offender, according to the Austin Police Department. APD said the arrest was the result of a multi-agency fugitive operation and that the warrant stems from a probation violation tied to sex offender registration requirements.
In a brief post on X, the Austin Police Department wrote, "On Thursday, April 2, 2026, William James Smith was arrested by the Lone Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF)." The agency did not release a booking location or a scheduled court date.
UPDATE: On Thursday, April 2, 2026, William James Smith was arrested by the Lone Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF).
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) April 2, 2026
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ACTUALIZACIÓN: El jueves 2 de abril de 2026, William James Smith fue detenido por el Grupo Operativo contra Fugitivos de Texas (LSFTF). pic.twitter.com/sV2nNr5bJt
Warrant, Description and Tip Reward
Capital Area Crime Stoppers lists Smith’s warrant as number 248005093559D and describes the charge as "Probation Violation - Failure To Register as a Sex Offender." Capital Area Crime Stoppers gives his age as 46, his height as 6'1" and his weight at about 150 pounds, and notes that tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
What the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force Does
The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force is a U.S. Marshals-led, multi-agency unit that works with local and state partners to locate and arrest wanted fugitives across the Western District of Texas. The U.S. Marshals Service says the task force pools federal resources with local law enforcement to carry out targeted fugitive operations.
Legal Implications
Failing to register as required is an offense under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 62. Noncompliance can result in separate criminal charges or revocation of probation, depending on prior convictions and the specifics of the violation. Chapter 62 lays out registration and verification duties and explains the penalties for failing to comply. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 62
It was not immediately clear whether Smith had been booked into the Travis County Jail or when he is expected to appear in court. Anyone with information related to the case can call Capital Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online; the group’s active-cases listing contains the posted details. Capital Area Crime Stoppers
