Lake Grove man who chased fugitives now helps shape ‘Yellowstone’ spin-off

He spent decades chasing fugitives — now a Lake Grove man is helping bring the “Yellowstone” universe to life.

Lenny DePaul, a former U.S. Marshal and longtime law enforcement veteran, is serving as a technical advisor on the new spin-off series “Marshals,” bringing real-world expertise to the hit show.

“I chased violent felony fugitives for decades — now I do TV,” DePaul told Greater Long Island.

The series, which premiered March 1, quickly became a ratings success, drawing 9.52 million viewers for its debut and climbing to more than 20 million across platforms. It was renewed for a second season just 12 days later.

Starring Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton, “Marshals” follows the former rancher as he joins the U.S. Marshals in Montana, combining his Navy SEAL background with federal law enforcement.

For DePaul, authenticity is everything.

“Authenticity is important to keep the writers grounded when concepts come up,” he said. “Something that might sound great in the writer’s room wouldn’t play out in the real world.”

After retiring from law enforcement, DePaul said the role has given him a new way to apply decades of experience.

“It’s been fun to see both sides,” he said.

Catching bad guys

DePaul grew up in Utica and joined the Navy at 17, serving eight years, including five on active duty. He later joined the U.S. Secret Service, spending six years in the Uniformed Division during the Reagan administration, helping protect the president and First Family.

In 1989, he joined the U.S. Marshals Service, where he built a decades-long career.

He eventually rose to Chief Inspector (Commander) of the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, overseeing one of seven regional units made up of more than 300 investigators from over 90 agencies.

Before that, DePaul spent 12 years in the Eastern District of New York’s Warrant Squad, taking part in hundreds of arrests, including major case fugitives and several investigations tied to the U.S. Marshals’ 15 Most Wanted list.

From 2008 to 2011, he was also featured on the A&E reality series “Manhunters,” documenting his work tracking fugitives.

Real skills for fiction TV

“Marshals” isn’t DePaul’s first experience in television. His credits also include History Channel’s “Hunting Hitler” and CBS’s “Hunted.”

In his current role, DePaul works with writers and producers to shape realistic storylines, refine dialogue and ensure accuracy in how law enforcement operates.

He also traveled to Park City, Utah — where the show is filmed — to work with actors, stunt coordinators and fight teams to make sure every detail feels authentic.

“The actors were great to work with. They asked questions,” he said. “Between cuts, they’d come up to me and ask, ‘Does this look right? Does this sound right? How should I wear my badge?’”

After more than three decades in the field, DePaul said it’s the small details that make the biggest difference on screen.

“It’s been different and fun,” he said. “Having been on camera before, being behind the scenes is interesting.”

He’s not slowing down. Next month, Discovery Channel will air another project he worked on, “Escape from Alcatraz,” examining the infamous 1962 prison escape.

And after a career spent tracking fugitives, DePaul still has one piece of advice:

“You can run, but you can’t hide.”

“Marshals” is streaming on Paramount+, with new episodes airing Sundays on CBS.

Top: Lenny DePaul and Tatkana Means, who plays Miles Kittle on the hit streaming show ‘Marshals.’ Photos all come courtesy of Lenny DePaul

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