Category: US Marshals Service

Source: US Marshals Service

San Juan, PR – The U.S. Marshals Service District of Puerto Rico has added to its 10 Most Wanted fugitives list a man wanted by the Irondequoit, New York, Police Department on four charges of second-degree murder and charges of narcotics.

Luis Francisco Soriano, aka Jefry Yeyo, 31, of Dominican Republic, is suspected to have been involved in a quadruple homicide Aug. 31 near Rochester, New York. Two of the victims were children, 2 and 4. Soriano is believed to have fled to Puerto Rico, where authorities are actively searching for him.

The U.S. Marshals in Puerto Rico request the public’s assistance in capturing dangerous fugitives, such as Soriano. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement or the U.S. Marshals directly.

“Given the nature of Soriano’s alleged crimes, his danger to the community at large and ability to elude law enforcement, the U.S. Marshals in Puerto Rico have added him our 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list,” said Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra, U.S. Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico. “Soriano and his co-conspirators committed a horrendous crime against a family, whose children were innocent victims and did not deserve a cruel death. We will not allow terror, violence and impunity to take over our communities. That is why we are seeking the public’s assistance in getting this dangerous individual in custody so that he can face justice.”

Soriano is 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs approximately 150 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. He has four moles under his right eye and tattoos on both arms. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) encourages the community to continue to collaborate with our deputies on tips that help find the whereabouts of a fugitive by contacting our local office at (787) 766-6297, calling the U.S. Marshals Service Communication Center at 1 (800) 336-0102, or submitting tips using the USMS Tips App. You can also contact the case agents at (787) 306-9411 or (787) 412-1462.

Source: US Marshals Service

Youngstown, OH – Late this afternoon, members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF), New York Police Department Detectives, U.S. Secret Service, and the Youngstown Police Department arrested Jose Feliciano, 49.  Feliciano was wanted by New York Police Department for murder.

On February 10, a bouncer inside the Garden Bar and Grill, located at 140 Graham Ave. in Brooklyn, NY, was stabbed in the neck.  The victim, Laurence Hopkins, 61, was attempting to assist his female coworker who was involved in an altercation with patrons of the bar when he was stabbed.

Members of the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force (NY/NJRFTF) began searching for Feliciano immediately after the warrant was issued in June of this year.  Law enforcement believed that the suspect had fled the state shortly after the murder.  Today, law enforcement was able to track down Feliciano to the Youngstown, Ohio area.  Feliciano was arrested without incident at a home in the 1900 block of Wolosyn Circle in Youngstown.  Feliciano will remain in custody in Ohio until he can be extradited back to New York to face the charges against him.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Criminals will not find a place to hide in northern Ohio.  Members of our task force will work with law enforcement across the country to ensure that those wanted for violent crimes are caught and held accountable for their actions.”

Anyone with information concerning a 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 NOVFTF Youngstown Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies: Boardman Township Police Department, Campbell Police Department, Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty Township Police Department, Lordstown Village Police Department, Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, Mercy Health Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Salem Police Department, Trumbull County Adult Probation Department, Warren Police Department, Youngstown Police Department, and United States Marshals Service.  

Source: US Marshals Service

Jackson, TN – U.S. Marshals (USMS) captured a Texas fugitive wanted since 2019 in Jackson, TN.

William Kelly Rhodes, 49, who has ties to Jackson, was convicted of possession of dangerous drugs and felony tampering with physical evidence, and subsequently was sentenced to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Parole Division.

Rhodes violated the conditions of administrative release and was declared a fugitive from justice by the state of Texas. A revocation warrant was issued, and the fugitive investigation was adopted by the U.S. Marshals Service in the Northern District of Texas. The investigation determined that Rhodes was in West Tennessee, and the USMS Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) in Jackson was asked to assist. The task force tracked Rhodes to the Daybreak Suites Extended Stay on the U.S. Highway 45 By-Pass in Jackson.

Deputy marshals took Rhodes into custody without incident. He was transported to the Madison County Jail and will be held pending transfer to an agent of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

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 composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis and Jackson Police Officers, Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured over 2,600 violent fugitives and sexual predators.

Source: US Marshals Service

San Juan, PR – The U.S. Marshals Service Puerto Rico Violent Offenders Task Force (PRVOTF), acting on a lead from the District of Massachusetts, apprehended Sept. 17 a woman wanted in Massachusetts on charges of kidnapping and endangering a minor by a relative. 

Danielle Andrews, 47, of Rockland, Massachusetts, is alleged to have committed parental kidnapping after being ordered by the court Sept. 6 to relinquish her parental rights to another relative after prosecutors in Massachusetts raised serious concerns about the child’s safety and well-being following a series of troubling events involving Andrews. 

After the court’s ruling, Andrews is fled to Puerto Rico with the child, leaving her other children behind in Massachusetts. Prosecutors demanded her return to face criminal charges, but Andrews refused to comply.

The child was recovered in Carolina, Puerto Rico, by the PRVOTF with the help of the Bayamon Municipal Police. Both Andrews and the child were located at the home of the child’s paternal grandmother. The child has been placed under the custody of the local Department of Family Services. Andrews is now in custody at the Puerto Rico Police Department’s Extradition office, awaiting further legal proceedings in the United States.

“We want to let our communities know that this significant arrest is another example of the results we can obtain from a coordinated collaboration with state agencies and demonstrates the commitment of the men and women of the U.S. Marshals Service to bring these fugitives to justice,” said U.S. Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra. “All our cases are important, but those against children are of the upmost priority for our personnel. We will continue to be vigilant against any criminal who evades justice and tries to hide so as not to assume his or her responsibility. Our commitment to our citizens comes first and we will allocate all necessary resources to make our communities safe, maintaining a quality of life that we all deserve in Puerto Rico.”

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) encourages the community to continue to collaborate with our deputies on tips that help find the whereabouts of a fugitive by contacting our local office at (787) 766-6297, calling the U.S. Marshals Service Communication Center at 1 (800) 336-0102, or submitting tips using the USMS Tips App.

Source: US Marshals Service

Spokane, WA – Over the past two days, the United States Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force successfully located and apprehended three fugitives with prior sex offense convictions.

David McCuiston – of Spokane Valley, Washington, was arrested for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. McCuistion was previously convicted of Attempted Indecent Liberties of Child and Rape in Third Degree.

William Shawl – of Riverside, Washington, was arrested on an outstanding federal Escape warrant.  Shawl was previously convicted of Escape, Luring of a Minor Person with Developmental Disability, Abusive Sexual Contact with a Person Who is Less than 12 years old, and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

Barry Collins – of Tonasket, Washington, was arrested for Escape from Community Custody and Failure to Comply with the Department of Corrections Conditions of Supervision. Collins is supervised for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Collins was previously convicted of Rape of a Child in the Third Degree, Attempting to Elude, Possession of Controlled Substances, Residential Burglary, Burglary in the Second Degree, and Theft of a Firearm.

The successful location and apprehension of these fugitives would not have been possible without the hard work and assistance of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington State Department of Corrections, the Omak Police Department, and the United States Border Patrol.

The U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF) is a U.S. Marshals-led partnership comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. The task force’s primary mission is to locate, arrest and return to the justice system the most violent and egregious federal and state fugitives. US Marshals arrest over 80,000 violent offenders annually.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.

Source: US Marshals Service

Canton, OH – Over the past two weeks members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) have been working to locate and arrest fugitives wanted for domestic violence and assaults in the Canton, Ohio area.  

The NOVFTF worked closely with the Stark County Sheriff’s Office and the Canton Police Department to identify fugitives wanted for domestic violence and domestic-violence related crimes.  The task force focused their efforts on these fugitives over the last two weeks which resulted in the arrest of 30 fugitives.  Members of the NOVFTF from other cities traveled to Canton to assist in this operation.    

Canton Police Chief John Gabbard said, “Domestic violence incidents are rarely isolated.  They frequently involve repeated assaults by the same offender.  Operations such as this, capturing and incarcerating the most serious offenders, helps us to remove the threat of future repeat incidents.  I am very grateful for our partnership with the Marshals.”

One of the cases the NOVFTF focused on was fugitive Robin Davis.  Davis was wanted by the Canton Police Department and United States Marshals Service for domestic violence and felonious assault. It was alleged that on or about July 9, 2024, Davis stabbed her boyfriend in the neck with a pair of scissors at a residence in the 1600 block of Kolp PL NW, Canton, OH.  On September 6, 2024, task force members located Davis at residence in the 2200 block of 20th St NE in Canton, OH.

Stark County Sheriff George Maier added, “by addressing the seriousness of domestic violence offenses, we are not only aiding the direct victims but also enhancing the overall well-being of our community. It sends a clear message that we are resolute in our duty to ensure that our neighborhoods are safe for everyone.”

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “A long standing partnership with the Stark County Sheriff and the Canton Police Department continues to bring justice to those effected by domestic violence.  As we move closer to domestic violence awareness month in October, those who commit these crimes should know, we will find you and you will be brought to justice.”

Anyone with information concerning a 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 NOVFTF Canton Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies:  United States Marshals Service, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Canton Police Department, Carrollton Police Department, Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, North Canton Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Perry Township Police Department, Stark County Park District, and Stark County Probation.

Source: US Marshals Service

Spokane, WA – The United States Marshals Service (USMS) Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF) arrested Ervin Mefiboset Molina-Jordan, 27. Molina-Jordan was apprehended around E Mission Ave and N Bates Rd with the assistance of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Border Patrol.

It was alleged on July 22, 2021, that Molina-Jordan sexually assaulted a child who was younger than 17 years of age in Burnet County, Texas. Investigators discovered that Molina-Jordan fled Texas after the incident and had settled in Spokane Valley, Washington.

Molina-Jordan was arrested without incident and booked into the Spokane County Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings.

The U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF) is a U.S. Marshals-led partnership comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. The task force’s primary mission is to locate, arrest and return to the justice system the most violent and egregious federal and state fugitives. US Marshals arrest over 80,000 violent offenders annually.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
 

Source: US Marshals Service

Baltimore, MD – The United States Marshals (USMS) Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF), in coordination with the Baltimore City Police Department (BPD) located and safely arrested, a man, August 29, 2024, for armed robbery.      

Devin Lamont Suggs, 40, was wanted for the armed robbery of a female victim, stemming from an incident in which the suspect allegedly held his former girlfriend at gunpoint and stole approximately $10,000 dollars from her purse. Additionally, Suggs was wanted on four outstanding  warrants, three warrants for assault and one warrant for parole violation.        

CARFTF investigators conducted interviews and developed intelligence that the suspect was driving a Honda Accord. They located the vehicle on the 3000 block of Wylie Avenue parked in front of a residence. Investigators located the suspect inside the residence, and he was taken into custody.  

Suggs was arrested and transported to the Baltimore City Police Department. A search warrant for the residence resulted in the seizure of (1) .357 revolver, (1) 50 round drum magazine and ammunition for different caliber weapons. 

The USMS CARFTF began operations in June 2004. The CARFTF has partnership agreements with 14 federal and 87 state, and local agencies and operates in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia, The CARFTF has apprehended more than 102,000 fugitives since its inception and is always striving to make communities safer.

Source: US Marshals Service

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) celebrates annually National Police Woman Day. National Police Woman Day is celebrated on September 12th and it recognizes the contributions of past and current law enforcement officers.

In 1884 the agency recognized the first female deputy U.S. Marshal, Phoebe Couzins. who later became the first female U.S. Marshal in 1887. Currently, female deputy U.S. Marshals continue to make an impact in their roles serving in the Agency.

Presently, Sheri Robinson, a Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal with the agency’s Body Worn Camera Program Office, is one of them. Robinson has worked with the USMS since 2004 beginning her career in the Southern District of New York. Robinson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration & Planning and a Master’s Degree in Protective Management, both acquired from John Jay College, New York. 

Throughout her career Robinson worked with Judicial Security, Fugitive Investigations, Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation Systems, Prisoner Operations, Human Resources Division, and other Special Missions. Robinson stated, “I always knew that I wanted a career in federal law enforcement. I encourage young females every time I have an opportunity to apply for a career in this field. I always say to them you can do this job! It’s not only for men, law enforcement is an inclusive profession.”

“I tell interested candidates if this is something that you really are passionate about, if you’re passionate about your community, and making a difference, then you should join the Marshal Service because our job is so diverse.” Robinson said.  

Furthermore, Robinson serves on the USMS 30×30 committee established by USMS Director Ronald L. Davis, working to increase the number of women in the agency.

The USMS has committed to work to increase the amount of women in recruitment classes by signing the 30×30 pledge. 30×30 is a national initiative to increase representation of women participation in police recruitment to 30% by 2030.

Robinson stated “When the agency made that pledge, we saw that there was a need for it for several reasons. Past studies show having more women in an agency creates more positivity because of our demeanor, how we resolve issues, and how we’re able to connect and empathize with others.”

Women in law enforcement face several barriers. However, Robinson and members of the 30×30 team are working diligently to counter these barriers, perceived or real. Robinson works on the cultural subcommittee, looking into standardizing access to lactation and wellness rooms, enhancing a diverse workforce throughout divisions, and increasing training across the field to foster an inclusive workforce.

Robinson said “National Police Woman Day is the perfect time to spread the word about the work of women in the USMS and to encourage one another as brothers and sisters in law enforcement.

Source: US Marshals Service

Corpus Christi, TX – On September 08, 2024, escaped inmate Jesus Villarreal was taken into custody by a joint operation involving the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Fugitive Task Force (GCVOFTF). Villarreal, who was serving a 63-year sentence for multiple counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, had fled from a TDCJ (Texas Department of Criminal Justice) unit in Huntsville, Texas. The GCVOFTF apprehended escapee Villareal in the parking lot of a Walmart in Calallen, Corpus Christi, TX, without incident. Along with Villarreal, Melissa Lozano was arrested for hindering apprehension.

The GCVOFTF quickly responded in Houston, Texas, to assist in Villarreal’s capture after he was believed to be traveling towards the Corpus Christi area and potentially heading to Mexico. Villarreal was identified driving a stolen vehicle, members of the GCVOFTF located the vehicle at the Walmart in Calallen, where he was safely apprehended.  Authorities discovered a replica firearm and $1,507 in U.S. currency in his possession.

This successful joint operation involved the U.S. Marshals Service, The Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Department of Public Safety, Nueces County Sheriff’s Office, Corpus Christi Police Department, Robstown Police Department, and the San Antonio Police Department.

The U.S. Marshals led Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force with base in Corpus Christi, Texas, is integrated by remarkable agents from Texas Department of Public Safety, Nueces County Sheriff’s Office, Aransas County Sheriff, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Corpus Christi Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Kleberg County Attorney Office and other partner federal agencies that work together for the protection of our communities.