New York Fugitives Captured at Sevierville Hotel

Sevierville police located and arrested a man and a woman at a local hotel who were wanted by New York authorities yesterday.

Detective Ray Brown and Detective Kevin Bush of the Sevierville Police Department learned on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 that Anthony Strangis, 35, of Fairhaven, Mass. and 43-year old Sarma Melngailas of New York were wanted on fugitive from justice warrants from New York.

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.

Sarma Melngailas, 43, of New York

Anthony Strangis, 35, of Fairhaven, Mass.

Melngailas, owner of Pure Food and Wine in Manhattan, disappeared last year after suffering financial problems. Her restaurant closed and employees claimed they had not been paid.

While attempting to locate the fugitives, detectives received information that led them to the Fairfield Inn & Suites located at 650 Parkway in Sevierville and were able to confirm the pair were at the hotel.

With the assistance of patrol officers, Strangis and Melngailas were arrested without incident at about 3:45 p.m. They are being held in the Sevier County Jail.

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