A man accused of abducting and sexually abusing a seven-year-old girl nearly 40 years ago has been extradited from the Philippines to the United States to face charges. Young Tom Talmadge, 70, was arrested by Philippine authorities in February 2025 after a joint investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Homeland Security Investigations.
The charges, including sexual battery on a victim under 12, lewd and lascivious conduct with a child, and kidnapping to commit a felony, stem from an incident on November 20, 1989. According to reports, Talmadge approached the girl inside the now-closed Tampa Lanes bowling alley, gave her coins for arcade games, and lured her to his car. He allegedly sexually abused her before dropping her back at another bowling alley hours later.
Cold Case Revived by DNA Advances
Initial investigations yielded a DNA profile, but the case went cold. In 2004, detectives entered the profile into a national database with no matches. However, in 2022, improved DNA technology allowed investigators to resubmit evidence, leading to re-interviews with the victim and witnesses. This renewed effort identified Talmadge as a suspect.
By December 2024, the sheriff's office and Homeland Security Investigations worked with Philippine law enforcement to track him down. He was found living in Cavite in February 2025, and DNA testing confirmed a match to crime scene samples a month later. A warrant was issued on March 21, 2025, and Talmadge was arrested on April 23, 2025. He was extradited to the US on April 22, 2026, and is now held at Rikers Island in New York City, pending transfer to Hillsborough County, Florida.
International Cooperation Praised
Philippine Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that Talmadge's arrest aligns with the government's 'strengthened drive against foreign sex predators and pedophiles.' He added, 'Foreign fugitives who commit crimes against children will find no refuge here.' The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office commended the collaborative effort that finally brought the suspect to justice after decades.
