JoCo Sheriff & U.S. Marshals Capture Wanted Man From Holden

Update: The story was updated with the correct mugshot. 

The Johnson County, Missouri, Sheriff's Office announced the capture of a Holden man in Independence on Thursday, December 5, 2024, with the assistance of U.S. Marshals.

The U.S. Marshals Service helped take Austin S. Cantrell, 35, of Holden, into custody in Independence yesterday. He was wanted on an active warrant out of Johnson County.

Cantrell is facing several serious charges in Johnson County, including three counts of Sodomy in the 2nd degree, two counts of Patronizing Prostitution 18 Years of Age or Older, Sexual Abuse 1st Degree, and two counts of Unlawful Use of A Weapon. He has been charged with Subsection 4, Exhibiting, and Subsection 9, Shooting At/From Motor Vehicle, At Person, Motor Vehicle or Building Resulting in Death or Injury, and Posession of a Controlled Substance.

A probable cause statement alleges Cantrell used the aliases "Sammie Smith" and/or "Maddie" to pretend to be a woman seeking same-sex relationships on dating apps in an attempt to send them to his residence. Once the victims met Cantrell, he claimed to be the husband of the woman he was pretending to be and performed sexual acts on the victims despite their refusal.

Cantrell was arraigned this morning, December 6, 2024, entered a not-guilty plea for all charges, and told the Court he was seeking counsel. His next court appearance is set for Wednesday, December 11, 2024, to discuss his counsel status and bond hearing.