Category: Legal Issues

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One of Puerto Rico’s 10 Most Wanted Arrested in Florida

Source: US Marshals Service

San Juan, PR – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) arrested one of Puerto Rico’s 10 most wanted in Coral Springs, Florida, Oct. 5. 

Teddy León-Ayala was the leader of the gang “Los Extranjeros,” which was part of the United Traffickers Organization (La ONU). He has allegedly been involved in several murders, including that of Puerto Rico Police Officer Blanca de los Santos-Barbosa on July 7, 2010. This crime happened on the Manuel Rivera Morales Express (PR-81), better known as the Trujillo Express, where Santos-Barbosa, while returning home after completing her work shift, was caught in the middle of a shootout between “La ONU” and “La Rompe ONU,” a rival organization devoted to the drug trade in Puerto Rico. 

In this same incident, librarian Manuel Medina, 32, another innocent victim who was traveling on the express in the direction of Trujillo Alto, died.

“The arrest of León-Ayala  is the result of an extensive and rigorous joint investigation with the District of Puerto Rico,” said Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra, U.S. Marshal of the District of Puerto Rico. “Over the past few years, our staff has remained behind Leon-Ayala in conjunction with the Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force of the Middle District of Florida. Leon-Ayala was placed under arrest without offering resistance, without any incident to regret and where the safety of our personnel was not compromised,” Ocasio-Ibarra said.

“León Ayala, a fugitive since 2012, is a danger to society, not only because he is involved in these vicious deaths, but because of his level of violence to maintain control of drug distribution in Puerto Rico. As a member of several criminal gangs, León-Ayala is identified as part of the ‘Los Rompecaras’ group, so named because they murdered rival criminals, leaving their faces disfigured. Those were the kinds of acts he was involved in. We hope that this arrest will bring some peace to the families of the innocent victims who died in that reprehensible incident, especially to the family of Agent Santos Barbosa and our colleagues from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. Our commitment to the safety of communities is the primary motivation of our staff. We will never stop in the search for this type of violent offender, they believe they have the resources to evade us, however, we have the motivation and duty to enforce the Law.  As we have always pointed out, it is a matter of time, before our United States Marshals Deputies find you, and knock on your door”, Ocasio-Ibarra said.

Leon-Ayala is already in custody and will begin facing the corresponding judicial processes.

The Marshals encourage the community to continue to work with our agents by providing confidences to help find a fugitive, by contacting our field office at (787) 766-6001, by calling the U.S. Marshals Service Communication Center at 1 (800) 336-0102, or by submitting their confidence using the U.S. Marshals Service Tip application. 

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Latest U.S. Marshals Operation North Star III Nabs More Than 4,400 Fugitives

Source: US Marshals Service

San Juan PR – The U.S. Marshals Service’s (USMS) latest high-impact fugitive apprehension initiative, dubbed Operation North Star III (ONS III), focused on 20 cities over three months, has resulted in 4,455 fugitive arrests. 

Of those arrested, 2,818 were wanted for violent offenses, to include homicide, forcible sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault and firearms violations. Investigators also seized 555 firearms, more than $1 million in illicit currency and 85 kilograms of illegal narcotics. 

The primary jurisdictions of ONS III were Albuquerque; Baltimore; Buffalo, New York; Chicago; Cleveland; Columbus, Ohio; Detroit; Houston; Indianapolis; Jackson, Mississippi; Kansas City, Missouri; Los Angeles; Memphis, Tennessee; Milwaukee; New Orleans; New York; Oakland, California; Philadelphia; Puerto Rico; and Washington, D.C. 

In total, 105 fugitives were apprehended in Puerto Rico, including seven from the Puerto Rico Police Department’s 10 Most Wanted list, three from the U.S. Marshals 10 Most Wanted list, and seven fugitive sexual offenders.

Notable arrests included:

Heidy Marmolejo-Garcia was arrested for planning and collaborating in the homicide of her ex-boyfriend. During the investigation, information was received of a possible location in Texas. The District of Puerto Rico, in collaboration with the USMS North Texas Fugitive Task Force, arrested Marmolejo-Garcia on July 19.

Martin V. Vazquez was wanted by the state of Ohio for aggravated assault and sexual assault of a minor since 1993. The state of Ohio requested assistance for his capture from the District of Puerto Rico. On August 11, Vázquez was arrested by the USMS Puerto Rico Fugitive Task Force in the municipality of Naranjito.

Osward Oliveras-Cardona was the prime suspect in several homicides in the metropolitan area. On July 31,  the fugitive opened fire on three municipal officers, leaving two of them wounded and one of them dead. On August 10, the USMS Puerto Rico Fugitive Task Force in San Juan located and arrested Oliveras-Cardona.

Santiago Apolinar-Rondon was wanted for the homicide of two brothers in a restaurant, Ropa Vieja, who were working at the time of the events. On July 13, Apolinar-Rondón was arrested by the USMS Puerto Rico Fugitive Task Force.

Michael Reyes-Vázquez was the leader of a criminal organization called “Los Marcianos,” which was dedicated to drug trafficking and was linked to a series of homicides in the metropolitan area. The USMS Puerto Rico Fugitive Task Force launched an investigation that culminated in the arrest of Reyes Vázquez on June 2. 

“The fact that Puerto Rico has been chosen to be part of the task force of Operation North Star III is an important distinction for the office of the United States Marshals Service, District of Puerto Rico,” said U.S. Marshal Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra. “This action by the U.S. Attorney General’s Office is an honor for our workforce here at the District of Puerto Rico. It is important to note that thanks to the support of our sister law and order agencies, these violent and dangerous fugitives have been apprehended and brought to justice. We thank the citizens for their cooperation.  Their help has contributed to reducing criminal violence here and, in every city, where this operation took place.” 

This enforcement action marks the third ONS since July 2022. In total, U.S. Marshals have apprehended more than 6,700 wanted fugitives, of which 900 were charged with homicide, in addition to removing more than 900 weapons associated to violent crime. The concept behind interagency law enforcement operations such as ONS evolved largely from regional and district fugitive task forces. Since the 1980s, the U.S. Marshals Service has combined their resources and expertise with local, state, and federal agencies to find and apprehend dangerous fugitives. 

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U.S. Marshals Arrest Shooting Suspect in Dayton

Source: US Marshals Service

Dayton, OH – The U.S. Marshals’ Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) arrested fugitive Antawan Benson for an outstanding arrest warrant Thursday morning. Benson was wanted by the Dayton Police Department in relation to a shooting incident on Philadelphia Drive in September.

It is alleged Benson shot at two females and a one-year-old child inside a vehicle and then fled from the scene. SOFAST and the Dayton Police Violent Offender Unit (VOU) began a follow-up investigation and tracked Benson to the Daytona Parkway apartment complex where he was safely taken into custody. Benson has been booked into the Montgomery County Jail and now awaits his court appearance.

“The U.S. Marshals and Dayton Police Department partnership continues to yield positive results by removing violent offenders from of our community. The coordination and sharing of resources and personnel are vital to making the community safer.” – Michael D. Black, United States Marshal.

U.S. Marshals SOFAST is a multi-jurisdictional task force comprised of the Dayton Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Police Department, Greene County Prosecutor’s Office, Greenville Police Department, Miami County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office, Perry Township Police Department, Springboro Police Department, Franklin Police Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, West Carrollton Police Department, and the Xenia Police Department. The U.S. Marshals Service is the nation’s primary fugitive hunting organization and captures more federal fugitives each year than all other law enforcement agencies combined. 

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U.S. Marshals in Northern Ohio Seek Public’s Help Finding Fugitives

Source: US Marshals Service

Ohio – The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitives Kyle Bonsky and Randi Marion. Bonsky is wanted by the Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service for grand theft, identity fraud, receiving stolen property, failure to comply, complicity to commit theft and burglary. Bonsky has also fled in a vehicle several times from law enforcement and has been involved in an ongoing crime spree. Investigators also believe Bonsky is currently with Randi Marion who is wanted by Stark County Adult Probation for a probation violation.

Bonsky, 35, is a described as a white male, standing approximately 6 feet and weighing about 240 pounds.

Marion, 24, is described as a white female, standing approximately 5 feet 3 inches and weighing about 115 pounds.

Kyle Bonsky and Randi Marion

If you have any information in reference to Kyle Bonsky or Randi Marion, please contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED or you can submit a web tip. Tipsters can remain anonymous and reward money is available.

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U.S. Marshals Task Force Finds Child Rape Fugitive in Alaska

Source: US Marshals Service

Juneau, AK – A coordinated fugitive investigation by the U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force in Jackson, Tennessee and the U.S. Marshals Service in the District of Alaska has led to the arrest of Adam Gabarra, 50, on charges of Incest, Aggravated Sexual Battery of a Minor and Child Rape out of Humboldt, Tenn.

On July 13th, 2023, the Humboldt Police Department issued a warrant for Gabarra arrest on Incest, Aggravated Sexual Battery of a Minor and Child Rape. The case was adopted by the Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force.

On October 4th, Gabarra was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Alaska after receiving a tip that Gabarra was living out of a boat in Juneau, AK. Gabarra was apprehended without incident and was transported to the local jail and will await the extradition process back to Humboldt, TN.

The U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The Western Tennessee Division of the TRVFTF has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is primarily composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis Police Officers, Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputies, Jackson Police Officers, and the Tennessee Department of Corrections Special Agents. The primary mission of the Task Force is to arrest violent offenders and sexual predators.

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Northern Minnesota Felon Sentenced to More Than 24 Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

MINNEAPOLIS — An Onamia man has been sentenced to 292 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for illegal possession of a firearm following a domestic assault, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. 

According to court documents, on Nov. 19, 2020, Leech Lake Tribal Police were dispatched to a residence following a report that Justin Lyle Cutbank, 37, had physically assaulted a woman, held her at gunpoint, threatened to kill her and then fled the residence into the woods. Shortly after officers arrived at the residence and took the victim’s statement, a neighbor reported that Cutbank was in their garage and refused to leave. Officers from multiple agencies responded to the location and found Cutbank barricaded in the garage. Several hours of negotiations followed with Cutbank retreating into the attic of the garage and refusing to surrender. Ultimately, officers were able to apprehend Cutbank, who continued to actively resist arrest. The following day, officers searched the wooded area where Cutbank had fled and found a Marlin Model 100 .22 caliber rifle with no serial number, a knife and the victim’s cell phone.

Because Cutbank has multiple prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. 

On March 17, 2023, Cutbank was convicted by a federal jury on one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. He was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Michael J. Davis.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Leech Lake Tribal Police Department, the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley M. Endicott and Ruth S. Shnider prosecuted the case.

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Chicago Man Indicted for Possessing an Illegal Machinegun

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

NEW YORK — Earlier today, a federal grand jury in Brooklyn returned a two-count indictment charging Isaiah Dukes, aka “Lil Zay Osama,” with possession of a machinegun and possession of an unregistered firearm. Dukes is presently in state custody in Illinois on unrelated charges and will be arraigned in federal court in Brooklyn at a later date.  

Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Tommy Kalogiros, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives New York Field Office; and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department, announced the indictment.

“As alleged, Dukes brought a machinegun into our district, and then dangerously left it in the back of a rideshare,” stated U.S. Attorney Peace. “This office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to work diligently to protect our communities from such dangerous weapons.”

“Machineguns have been highly regulated in the United States since the 1930s and have been banned since 1986. Machineguns have no place on the streets of our communities. They are weapons intended to kill and injure with maximum effect, with the shooter often firing uncontrollably and indiscriminately. They pose a significant danger to both the public and law enforcement. Today’s indictment serves as an important reminder that machinegun conversion devices, such as switches, violate federal law, and that possession will not be tolerated. The men and women of ATF will continue to work with our partners to reduce the proliferation of these devices on our streets. Thanks to ATF NY’s Joint Firearms Task Force, ATF Chicago, NYPD and EDNY,” stated ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kalogiros.

“Today’s indictment is a stark reminder that loaded, illegal firearms – sometimes modified to maximize their deadly potential, as alleged in this case – continue to be brought into and carried throughout New York City,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “Let me be clear: This behavior will not be tolerated here, and the NYPD vows to keep our streets safe from guns and anyone who unlawfully possesses them. I commend and thank the rideshare driver who observed this weapon for doing what we always ask of all New Yorkers: He saw something and he said something, and he possibly saved lives in the process.”

As alleged in public filings, on Sept. 29, 2022, Dukes carried a loaded Glock pistol affixed with a switch — a device that when attached to the back of a handgun like a Glock converts the firearm into a fully automatic weapon. Law enforcement subsequently determined that the firearm can automatically fire more than one round with a single function of the trigger, rendering it a machinegun. Dukes was arrested after leaving the firearm in a rideshare vehicle that brought him from a luxury hotel in Manhattan to a recording studio in Queens. 

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of all counts, the defendant faces a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gilbert M. Rein and Rebecca M. Schuman are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Rachel Friedman.

Defendant:
Isaiah Dukes
Age: 26
Calumet City, Illinois

E.D.N.Y. docket number 24-CR-28 (NRM)

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Man Accused of Killing 2 Women, Injuring One in Shooting Arrested by U.S. Marshals

Source: US Marshals Service

Cleveland, OH – Today, members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Deandre Lewis, 21. Lewis was wanted by the Cleveland Division of Police for homicide and felonious assault.

According to the Cleveland Division of Police, on May 14, 2023, officers responded to an address near the 100 block of E. 76 Street, where they located Ataiya Gordon, 23, laying outside of a vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head.  Police located Bianca Mason, 31, lying on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds. Both females were pronounced dead at the scene. A 23-year-old woman was found outside of the vehicle with a gunshot wound to the leg. She was transported to University Hospital and has since been released. Deandre Lewis was later identified as being involved in this deadly shooting, and warrants were issued.

Today, members of the NOVFTF arrested Lewis at an address near the 11600 block of E. 59th Street, Cleveland, OH. Three firearms were seized from the residence following the arrest today.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Outstanding investigative work by the Cleveland Division of Police, Homicide Unit, lead to the identification of this suspect. The continued relationship between our task force and the Cleveland Division of Police will result in more violent fugitives being taken off the streets.”

Anyone with information concerning any wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies:  U.S. Marshals Service, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Independence Police Department, Parma Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Solon Police Department, Cleveland RTA Police Department, Westlake Police Department, Bedford Police Department, Middleburg Heights Police Department, Newburgh Heights Police Department and the Metrohealth Police Department.

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U.S. Marshals Arrest First Degree Murder Suspect

Source: US Marshals Service

Memphis, TN – The U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) arrested Rozell Hughes last night for First Degree Murder.

On July 20, 2023, the Memphis Police Department responded to a shooting at 1300 Wesley Drive in Memphis where Javeon Bowden was found dead from an apparent shooting. On July 24, a First Degree Murder warrant was issued by Shelby County for the arrest of Rozell Hughes for this crime. The fugitive case was adopted by the Two Rivers Task Force.

On October 11th, U.S. Marshals, working closely with the Multi-Agency Gang Unit, was able to develop information about where Hughes could be found. With the assistance of the Shelby County Sheriff’s and the Memphis Police Department Fugitive Apprehension Teams, U.S. Marshals found Hughes at a location in the 3300 block of Third Street in Memphis. He was taken into custody without incident.

The U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The TRVFTF has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is primarily composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis Police Officers, Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputies, Jackson Police Officers, and the Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents. The primary mission of the Task Force is to arrest violent offenders and sexual predators.

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U.S. Marshals Searching for Fugitive Sex Offender

Source: US Marshals Service

Clarksburg, WV – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) is requesting the public’s assistance in apprehending a West Virginia man wanted on state charges of failure to update sex offender registration, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

Carl Leon Nicholson Jr., 59, has a history of violent tendencies and should be considered dangerous.

He was last seen Dec. 23, 2022, driving a silver 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, WV Plate 2RK964. On Dec. 30, 2022 this vehicle was found burned on Haymond Rocks Road in Mount Clare, WV.

Nicholson stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds. He has brown hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Nicholson should contact the U.S. Marshals Service at (304) 623-0486 or contact 911 for immediate assistance. Tips may also be submitted via the USMS Tips App..

The USMS Northern District of West Virginia Mountain State Fugitive Task Force combines the efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest the most dangerous fugitives. It is dedicated to reducing violent crime by locating and apprehending wanted criminals. It also serves as the central point for agencies to share information on fugitive matters.