An anonymous tip led to the capture of a fugitive by the Wewoka Police Department early Tuesday morning.

According to police, 31-year-old Sam Houston Gaines, who was wanted by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) for parole violations, was taken into custody April 22.

The ODOC website indicates that Gaines had been on parole since August 2024, when he was discharged from the Jim Hamilton Correctional Center in Hodgen, Oklahoma. According to Kay Thompson, ODOC’s Chief of Public Relations, Gaines’ parole supervisor was currently in Holdenville, but he was previously reporting to an office in McAlester.

Gaines has a lengthy rap sheet dating back to 2017. His convictions include larceny, possession of a stolen vehicle, second degree burglary, conspiracy, grand larceny, escape from confinement, uttering forged instruments and escape from lawful arrest. Court records also show charges of domestic abuse and protective order violations.

A wanted poster published by ODOC included an advisory to not approach Gaines if he was spotted and to call authorities immediately.

Gaines was booked into the Seminole County Jail on a hold for United States Marshals.

In a separate case, Jayson Evans, one of Oklahoma’s 10 Most Wanted fugitives, was apprehended earlier this month following a multi-agency effort in Sulphur.

The FBI arrested Evans April 11 after a tip led authorities to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. National Park Service rangers discovered personal property belonging to Evans at a campsite, but Evans was not there. He was later spotted riding a bicycle in Sulphur, where FBI agents arrested him.

Evans was wanted on charges of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Harm in Indian Country and Eluding a Police Officer in Indian Country.