Category: US Marshals Service

Source: US Marshals Service

Philadelphia, PA — Members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force have arrested Mark Wills, 60, in Bridgeport, West Virginia. Wills was wanted by the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office for manufacturing and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials to children 13 and under. Over the past year. Wills is accused of manufacturing hundreds of videos of child sexual abuse material and sharing them online. The children Wills is accused of victimizing are believed to be throughout the United States and Canada. On February 6th, a warrant was issued for Will’s arrest, and the case was delegated to the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Philadelphia. 

On February 13th, investigators from the Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Philadelphia developed information Wills was presently in West Virginia. At approximately 8:00 p.m. Deputy Marshals from the Clarksburg office located Wills at the Meadowbrook Mall in Bridgeport, West Virginia. Wills was approached by Deputies and apprehended without incident. Wills is being held without bond at North Central Regional jail in Doddridge County where he awaits extradition to Bucks County.  

“Every child deserves a safe environment, and the arrest of Mark Wills demonstrates the U.S Marshals Service commitment to protecting the innocent” said Robert Clark, Supervisory Deputy Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

The Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force is a team of law enforcement officers led by U.S. Marshals in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. The task force’s objective is to seek out and arrest violent crime fugitives. Membership agencies include the Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania State Parole Officers, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General Agents, Immigration Customs Enforcement, Chester Police Department, Bucks County Sheriff’s Office, and Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.

Source: US Marshals Service

Washington, DC – A Baton Rouge, Louisiana, man added to the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) 15 Most Wanted fugitive List in December 2023 remains at large, and the agency is offering up to $25,000 as a reward for information that leads investigators to his location.

Leethel White aka “Lee Lee,” 47, is wanted by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office for first-degree murder and attempted murder.

White is alleged to have shot two female associates at close range, killing one and severely injuring the other in a January 2016 incident in the Gardere area of Baton Rouge.   

White is 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs approximately 215 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos on both arms, his chest and his back. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

“I urge anyone with information that can help us find Mr. White or his remains and close this investigation to come forward and help us bring closure to the victims and their families,” said William Travis Brown Jr., U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Louisiana.

While the USMS does not not usually offer rewards in cases in which the fugitive is deceased, in rare situations, if there is uncertainty about a fugitive’s status, the agency may offer a reward for information to confirm a death to close the case. Anyone with information regarding White’s whereabouts or the location of his remains is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals 24-hour tip line at 1-877-WANTED2 or send information via the USMS Tips App.

Created in 1983, the USMS 15 Most Wanted fugitive program draws attention to some of the country’s most dangerous and high-profile fugitives. These fugitives tend to be career criminals with histories of violence who pose a significant threat to public safety. Generally, 15MW fugitives are considered the “worst of the worst” and can include murderers, sex offenders, major drug kingpins, organized crime figures and individuals wanted for high-profile financial crimes. Since the program began in 1983, more than 250 15MW fugitive cases have been closed. 

The USMS has a long history of providing assistance and expertise to other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in support of their fugitive investigations. Working with authorities at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels, USMS-led fugitive task forces arrested more than 74,000 fugitives and cleared nearly 89,000 warrants in FY 2024.

Source: US Marshals Service

Cleveland, OH – Late last night, members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Money Baccus, 18, in Akron, Ohio.  Baccus was wanted by the Canton Police Department for aggravated murder.  This morning, members of the NOVFTF arrested Deshon Baker, 24, in Euclid, Ohio. Baker was wanted by the Cleveland Division of Police for aggravated murder.

On February 12, 2025, members of the Canton Police Department responded to an address in the 1900 block of 2nd Street SW, Canton, Ohio for a 30-year-old male that suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. It is alleged that Baccus shot and killed the male and fled the scene. Later in the day, members of the U.S. Marshals, NOVFTF arrested Baccus at the intersection of Crosby Street and S. Balch Street in Akron.

On December 28, 2024, officers with the Cleveland Division of Police – 3rd District, responded to a shooting near the intersection of E. 9th Street and Bolivar Road. It was discovered that two males had engaged in a physical altercation that ended in a shooting near the 700 block of Bolivar Road. Simajah Harris, 24, suffered a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced at MetroHealth hospital. Deshon Baker, 24, was later identified as the suspect in this incident and a warrant for aggravated murder was issued for his arrest. This morning, members of the NOVFTF arrested Baker at an address in the 27000 block of Sidney Drive, Euclid, Ohio.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Within 24 hours our fugitive task force had two outstanding arrests in Akron and Euclid. Our task force is constantly pursuing and arresting wanted fugitives, in hopes to make the communities we serve safer.”

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.  

Source: US Marshals Service

Bangor, ME — A Florida man was arrested in Bangor, ME today by the U.S. Marshals Service Maine Violent Offender Task Force (MVOTF) for failing to register as a sex offender.

Christopher David Peet, 34, was arrested today on a warrant issued on January 9, 2025 from Pasco County, FL for failure to register as a sex offender. Peet’s requirement to register as a sex offender stems from a 2014 conviction in NY for incest – 3rd degree. Peet also has a prior 2020 conviction for failure to register as a sex offender in FL. The conviction in 2014 designated Peet as a lifetime offender in the State of Florida.

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in the Middle District of Florida requested the assistance Marshals Service in Maine with locating and apprehending this fugitive.

Through a collaborative law enforcement effort, authorities developed information which led investigators to Bangor, ME. USMS Task Force members were able to identify Peet at a residence in Bangor and were able to safely apprehend him without incident. Peet is charged as a fugitive from justice and will be arraigned in Maine pending his extradition back to Florida.

The USMS in Maine received significant assistance from the USMS Middle District of Florida. The USMS Maine Violent Offender Task Force is comprised of members of the U.S. Marshals Service, Maine Department of Corrections, Biddeford Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Maine National Guard Counter Drug Task Force.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of any state or federal fugitive please contact the United States Marshals Service, District of Maine at MED.TIPLINE@usdoj.gov.

Source: US Marshals Service

Trenton, TN – Early this morning, the U.S. Marshals led Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) in Jackson, Tennessee, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested Jose Alfredo Melendez-Hernandez.

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in the Western District of Tennessee began investigating Melendez-Hernandez, 52, for violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) after it was determined that he was residing in Gibson County, Tennessee and failed to register as a sex offender.

Investigators also determined that Melendez-Hernandez was previously deported and removed from the United States in 2009 following a conviction for sexual battery in Texas.

The investigation further revealed that Melendez-Hernandez was in the United States without having obtained the express consent from the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States.

Melendez-Hernandez was indicted in federal court in the Western District of Tennessee on February 10, 2025, for violation of SORNA and Reentry of Deported Alien.

On February 12, 2025, the TRVFTF and HSI Agents went to a residence on Cades Loop Road in Trenton, Tennessee. After Melendez-Hernandez failed to comply with commands to come outside, the door was breached by Deputy marshals and task force officers. Melendez-Hernandez was found inside, taken into custody, and transported to the James D. Todd U.S. Courthouse in Jackson.

The U.S. Marshals Service 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, Fayette, Tipton, and Gibson 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 approximately 3,000 violent offenders and sexual predators.

Source: US Marshals Service

Austin, TX – The U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force arrested a man sought by Austin Police for injury to a child following an incident on February 7th that resulted in the hospitalization of a 2-year-old victim.  

Marcos Amaya Maldonado, 25, of Del Valle, is alleged to have committed the injury while the child was in his custody during the day at the child’s mother’s residence in the 9900 block of Dessau Road. According to an affidavit by an investigator with the Austin Police Department (APD) Child Abuse Unit, Maldonado is the boyfriend of the victim’s mother. 

When the mother arrived at the residence from work, she observed bruising to the side of the child’s face, according to the affidavit. After noticing an increase in bruising and swelling to the child’s face, and a “rash” under the diaper area, the mother called 911.

Medical personnel at a nearby hospital reported the victim had sustained a large contusion to her head and extensive bruising to her genitalia and vaginal lacerations. 

Following an investigation on February 9th, the APD Child Abuse Unit obtained a warrant in the City of Austin Municipal Court and requested assistance from the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force-Austin Division to locate and apprehend Maldonado. 

Members of the task force initiated a fugitive investigation and arrested Maldonado in the 100 block of Fortuna Drive in Del Valle.

Maldonado was transported to the APD Child Abuse Unit and booked into the Travis County Jail where he will await judicial proceedings.  

Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force in Austin:

Austin Police Department-Tactical Intelligence Unit
Georgetown, Round Rock, and San Marcos Police Department
Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson County Sheriff’s Office
Texas Attorney General’s Office
Texas Department of Criminal Justice OIG
Texas Department of Public Safety
U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
U.S. DHS/Homeland Security Investigations

Source: US Marshals Service

Deer Park, WA – On February 10, 2025, after more than three years of evading capture, Lorenzo Eugene Delgado Martin was arrested today by the United States Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF). Martin, 35, was taken into custody at his residence in Deer Park, Washington, in coordination with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, United States Border Patrol (USBP), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Martin has been the subject of a nationwide search after the State of Oregon for the County of Jackson, issued two arrest warrants for him. He is facing a total of 18 charges, including 13 counts of Sexual Assault in the 1st Degree, two counts of Sodomy in the 1st Degree, two counts of Private Indecency, and one count of Sexual Penetration in the 1st Degree. The charges stem from allegations involving two victims, of whom were both reportedly under the age of 14 at the time of the alleged abuse. The victims claim they were subjected to abuse for several years.

The U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force – Oregon, worked tirelessly to track down Martin, following leads across multiple states, ultimately locating him in Deer Park.

“The capture of Martin is a significant achievement for law enforcement in our ongoing commitment to seeking justice for victims of violent crimes. Thanks to the combined efforts of the U.S. Marshals Service PNVOTF, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, USBP, and ATF, this individual is now off the streets and will face the legal consequences of his actions,” said Craig Thayer the U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Washington.

Martin is currently being held in custody at the Spokane County Jail pending extradition to Oregon.

The Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force is a U.S. Marshals-led partnership comprising 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.

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.

Source: US Marshals Service

Spokane, WA – The U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, in coordination with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force, successfully apprehended fugitive Frank Cunningham on February 8th, 2025, around 6:00 PM, near S. Thor St. and E Third Ave.

On February 7th, 2025, the First Judicial Court of Idaho – Coeur d’Alene, issued an arrest warrant for Cunningham. He faces three counts of rape and three counts of video voyeurism.

The arrest was carried out without incident, and Cunningham was booked into the Spokane County Jail, where he is being held pending extradition to Idaho.

The Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force is a U.S. Marshals-led partnership comprising 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.

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.

Source: US Marshals Service

Cleveland, OH – Late this afternoon, members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Hector Linares, 46.  

Linares was being investigated by the NOVFTF for violating his federal supervised release and a warrant for his arrest was issued on January 30 of this year. Linares’ underlying offense was a drug charge from 2009. 

Additionally, Linares was wanted by the Cleveland Division of Police for aggravated assault, a warrant was issued for his arrest in May 2024. He was also wanted by the University Heights Police Department for a more recent felonious assault and a warrant was issued on January 21 of this year.  Linares is a suspected gang member and is listed as a previously deported felon by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  

This afternoon, members of the task force were able to locate and positively identify Linares in a vehicle he was operating.  Officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of 24000 block of Lakeland Blvd. in Euclid.  Linares complied with officers and was taken into custody without incident.  During the arrest, Linares was found to be in possession of both a loaded handgun and suspected methamphetamine.  Linares was transported to the U.S. Courthouse upon arrest.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “We will continue to work with our partners to focus on violent criminals who are also in this country illegally.  Today, a violent fugitive in possession of a handgun was put in jail and our community is safer.”

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 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.

Source: US Marshals Service

Dallas, TX – The U.S. Marshals Service – North Texas Fugitive Task Force apprehended in Roanoke Jan. 28 a man wanted by the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office for sexual assault of a child and by the USMS for Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution.

Joe Tarin, 30, who had been on the run for three years, made his initial appearance at the Tarrant County Courthouse Jan. 29.

The arrest was a result of the coordination between multiple agencies, including the Forth Worth Police Department, Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, the Grand Prairie Police Department, the Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Criminal Justice – OIG, the Mansfield Police Department, the Dallas County Sheriffs Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

The North Texas Fugitive Task Force is sponsored by the U.S. Marshals Service and is comprised of investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Fort Worth Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies. 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.