Category: US Marshals Service

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U.S. Marshals Capture Alabama Murder and Escape Fugitive in Memphis

Source: US Marshals Service

Memphis, TN – An Alabama murder and escape fugitive, Travis Leshun Lee, 32, of Memphis, was captured by U.S. Marshals in Memphis on June 12, 2024.

The incident in question occurred on October 26, 2020, when Torrandine Harris was shot to death in Bessemer, AL. Travis Lee was scheduled to appear in court on March 11, 2024, for this crime. However, upon learning that his bond was being revoked, Lee fled the courtroom. 

Subsequently, on March 18, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force (GCRFTF) in Birmingham, AL, took on the case, as Lee had warrants for Failure to Appear for Murder and Escape in the 1st Degree.

After receiving information that Lee had fled to Memphis, the GCRFTF contacted the U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) for assistance. With support from the Shelby County Sheriff and Memphis Police Department Fugitive Apprehension Teams, investigators from the TRVFTF were able to locate Lee at a motel in southeast Memphis. Lee was found in a room and 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, Fayette, and Tipton County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis and Jackson Police Officers, the Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured over 2,600 violent offenders and sexual predators.

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U.S. Marshals Capture Fugitive in Florida Wanted for Assaulting and Evading Tennessee Law Enforcement Officers

Source: US Marshals Service

Counce, TN – On June 12, 2024, U.S. Marshals captured a Kentucky man in Florida who allegedly assaulted Tennessee law enforcement officers and led them on a vehicle pursuit.

On July 5, 2020, Hardin County (TN) Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an assault at Freddy T’s Bar in Counce. It was reported that Derek Guffey, who was identified as the primary aggressor in the assault, pointed a rifle at Deputies, struck a patrol car with his vehicle, and fled the scene before he crashed. He was transported to a local hospital for his injuries.

Hardin County Deputies charged Guffey with Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement and Evading Arrest. The Tennessee Highway Patrol investigated the crash and subsequently charged Guffey with Driving Under the Influence, Possession of a Handgun while Driving Under the Influence, and other traffic offenses.

On June 7, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force in Jackson was asked to find and apprehend Guffey. Marshals determined that Guffy was now living in Panama City, Florida. Task Force investigators contacted the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Office in the Northern District Florida and requested assistance. The USMS in North Florida captured Guffy at a residence in the 4700 block of W. 19th Court in Panama City.

Guffy was transported to the Bay County, Florida Jail and will await the extradition process back to Tennessee.

The U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) 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, and Tipton County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis and Jackson Police Officers, the Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured over 2,600 violent offenders and sexual predators.

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U.S. Marshals and Franklin County SWAT Arrest Virginia Murder Suspect

Source: US Marshals Service

Columbus, OH – The U.S. Marshals Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) SWAT arrested fugitive Brandon Mattox on June 13, 2024.

Brandon Mattox was wanted by the Pulaski Town Police Department in Pulaski, Virginia for allegedly shooting a victim with a firearm. Mattox was charged with Murder in the Commonwealth of Virginia Court on May 24, 2024. The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) adopted the case, and discovered Mattox fled Virginia and was in the Columbus, Ohio area. This investigation led SOFAST and FCSO SWAT to the 3000 block of Easthaven South in Columbus where Mattox was arrested without incident. He is being held at the Franklin County Jail pending his extradition to Virginia.

“The U.S. Marshals Service and our partners at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office are committed to bringing those who commit violent crimes to justice. Our network of task forces across the country along with our partnership with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office led to the prompt and safe arrest of this alleged murderer.” – Michael D. Black, United States Marshal.

Columbus SOFAST is a fugitive-focused, U.S. Marshals Service-led task force consisting of local, state and federal authorities including the Columbus Division of Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Bexley Police Department, Cambridge Police Department, Capital University Police Department, Delaware County Probation Office, Groveport Police Department, Hocking County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster Police Department, Ohio Attorney General Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal, Office of Inspector General Social Security Administration, United States Attorney’s Office, Utica Police Department, Whitehall Police Department, and Zanesville Police Department.

Anyone with information on any fugitive may send an anonymous web tip using the USMS Tips App.

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Connecticut Fugitive Accused of Manslaughter Captured in Maine

Source: US Marshals Service

Portland, ME – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Maine Violent Offender Task Force (MVOTF) announce the arrest of Walter Lawson, 41, of Bridgeport, CT. Lawson was arrested yesterday in Bangor, Maine by members of the U.S. Marshals, Maine Violent Offender Task Force on a warrant issued from the State of Connecticut, charging him with 1st degree Manslaughter.

The United States Marshals Service, District of Connecticut, Violent Fugitive Task Force requested the assistance of the USMS, MVOTF to assist in locating and apprehending Lawson. Through a joint, collaborative law enforcement effort, authorities developed information which led investigators to Bangor, Maine.

USMS Task Force members located Lawson at a hotel in Bangor and safely apprehend him without incident.

Lawson is charged as a Fugitive from Justice and will be arraigned in Maine pending his extradition back to Connecticut.

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 Maine National Guard Counterdrug 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.

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Fremont County Escapee Wanted for Attempted Murder Back in Custody After Multi-Agency Manhunt

Source: US Marshals Service

Colorado Springs, CO – A fugitive escapee wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office is back in custody after a massive, multi-agency manhunt in southeast Colorado Friday evening.

Kegan Vanvliet, 45, escaped from the Fremont County jail around 1:00 p.m. Friday afternoon where he was being held on charges from the Canon City Police Department for attempted murder, possession of a dangerous weapon, prohibited use of a weapon, possession of a weapon by a previous offender, and domestic violence. Around 2:00 p.m., the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the southeast team of the U.S. Marshals Service Colorado Violent Offender Task Force (COVOTF) in attempting to locate and apprehend Vanvliet.

The southeast COVOTF team, who was already in the area after wrapping up another case, quickly began requesting and coordinating resources from a number of agencies in the area. Deputy U.S. Marshals based out of Colorado Springs, as well as COVOTF Task Force Officers (TFOs) from the Fountain Police Department, Otero County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado Department of Corrections, and Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office began pursuing leads on Vanvliet’s whereabouts in the Canon City area. Additional assistance was sought and provided from the Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Springs Police Department, Canon City Police Department, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Pueblo Police Department, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office. 

Information obtained by investigators had them pursuing leads in Canon City, Pueblo West, and Colorado Springs. As the investigation progressed, the Colorado Springs Police Department’s (CSPD) Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU) and K9 Units closed in on a lead that Vanvliet was in north Colorado Springs near I-25 and N Nevada Ave. Shortly after midnight, Vanvliet was located by aerial surveillance support units in the 5800 block of North Nevada Avenue. CSPD TEU and K9 units located Vanvliet in the area and took him into custody after a short foot pursuit where Vanvliet again attempted to flee.

Vanvliet was transported by Colorado State Patrol Units and U.S. Marshals to the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center where he was booked on the outstanding Fremont County arrest warrant for the escape.

The U.S. Marshals Service would like to thank the Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Canon City Police Department, Otero County Sheriff’s Office, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, Fountain Police Department, Colorado Department of Corrections, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Pueblo Police Department, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and the Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and joint cooperation in this investigation.

The Colorado Violent Offender Task Force (COVOTF) is a multi-jurisdictional fugitive task force that targets the most violent offenders to include those wanted for murder, assault, sex offenses, and other serious offenses throughout the state and country. 

Nationally, the U.S. Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 85 local fugitive task forces, eight regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @USMSDenver.

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U.S. Marshals and Area Law Enforcement Capture First-Degree Murder Fugitive; Suspect Intentionally Rams Police Vehicle During Arrest

Source: US Marshals Service

Memphis, TN – U.S. Marshals, Memphis Department (MPD), and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Teams captured Travon Marshall, 19, of Memphis, who was wanted for a deadly shooting that took place in the Frayser area of Memphis last month.

On May 22nd, 2024, shortly before 3 a.m., Memphis police responded to a shooting in the 2100 block of Willow Wood Avenue. Officers were advised that a man with gunshot wounds from the scene was dropped off at Regional One Hospital and later pronounced dead.

The same day, MPD Detectives obtained a warrant out of Shelby County General Sessions Court charging Marshall with First Degree Murder, Criminal Attempt First Degree, Aggravated Assault, and a firearm offense. The case was later adopted by the U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force to find and apprehend Marshall.

Yesterday, investigators with the U.S. Marshals, MPD, and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office went to a residence at 1600 block of Silver Street in Memphis. Travon Marshall and two others fled in a stolen car, which they crashed into a police vehicle moments later. Marshall and two other males fled on foot after the crash and were later apprehended. Marshall was found by investigators hiding in a bathroom of an abandoned house nearby. A firearm was recovered from the stolen vehicle. “This is an example of the risks our law enforcement officers face daily to combat violent crime and keep communities safe,” said U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller.

The U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) 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, and Tipton County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis and Jackson Police Officers, the Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured over 2,600 violent offenders and sexual predators.

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U.S. Marshals, FBI Urge Public: Report Phone Scams – Indiana

Source: US Marshals Service

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are alerting the public to several nationwide imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be representatives of the Marshals Service, court officers, or other law enforcement officials. The USMS is are urging people to report the calls to their local FBI office and file a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which has the ability to detect patterns of fraud from the information collected and share that data with law enforcement.

Scammers use many tactics to sound and appear credible, sometimes providing information like badge numbers, names of actual law enforcement officials, federal judges, and courthouse addresses. Scammers may also spoof their phone numbers to appear on caller IDs as if they are calling from a government agency or the court.

Several residents in the Northern District of Indiana have reported having received calls from individuals claiming to be the “U.S. Marshal” informing those called that their identity had been stolen and their bank account hacked. The caller(s) then instruct those called to go to their bank and withdraw funds from the account before they are frozen. Those victims called are further told to purchase gift cards with their money and the “Marshal” would then put that money into a new account and issue them a new Social Security number. THIS IS ALL FALSE AND A SCAM. Be advised that the US Marshal’s Service will NOT call and ask for any money or monetary instrument over the telephone.

Nationally there have been many victims of these types of scams with losses in the tens of thousands of dollars. The U.S. Marshals Service receives inquiries daily from victims and potential victims of this very scam. The U.S. Marshals Service for the Northern District of Indiana is providing this information in an effort to alert the public to be aware of and on the lookout for these scams and the tactics used.

If you were contacted by someone claiming to be a U.S. Marshal or believe you are the victim of such a scam, we urge you to report the incident to your local FBI offices and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Things to remember:

  • The U.S. Marshals Service WILL NEVER ask for credit/debit card/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers, or to make bitcoin deposits for any purpose.
  • NEVER divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers.
  • Report scam phone calls to your local FBI offices and to the FTC.
  • You can remain anonymous when you report.
  • Authenticate the call by calling the clerk of the court’s office of the U.S. District Court in your area and verify the court order given by the caller.

The Department of Justice launched the National Elder Fraud Hotline, which provides services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. Case managers assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. The hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).

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U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Operation Nazare Wave

Source: US Marshals Service

Washington, DC – A multiagency operation launched in mid-April to combat cross-jurisdictional violence that negatively impacts the communities within the National Capital Region has resulted in the arrest of 264 fugitives and the recovery of 21 firearms, 5.7 kg narcotics, and $254,890 in illicit U.S. currency.

Operation Nazare Wave will continue throughout the summer months and is being touted as one of many examples of the effectiveness of a well-supported multi-agency fugitive task force.

The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) was formed in June 2004. Spanning five federal districts and composed of a dedicated staff of U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) criminal investigators and specially deputized task force officers, augmented by personnel from the District of Columbia, D.C. Superior Court, Eastern Virginia, Maryland and Western Virginia, the CARFTF is charged with enhancing public safety and reducing violent crime within the National Capital Region, greater DC, Maryland and Virginia communities through the investigation and apprehension of dangerous fugitives. Working in close collaboration with the five district U.S. Marshals and local, state, and federal partners, CARFTF personnel have had a substantial and significant impact since the task force’s inception 20 years ago.

CARFTF is a Congressionally funded multi-agency task force whose mission is to focus resources and efforts on the reduction of violence within the National Capital Region through the identification, investigation, and apprehension of fugitives wanted for egregious crimes against the community, while ensuring the application of equal Justice, Integrity, and Service for all. Since June 2004, the task force has investigated and apprehended over 103,000 fugitives, including over 6,300 wanted for murder.  

“The men and women of the task force work tirelessly, sacrificing many nights and weekends, assisting our partners with the often-dangerous task of investigating and apprehending violent fugitives. Their dedication to the USMS mission, to the communities we serve, and the resulting positive impact of their efforts are immeasurable,” said Chief Inspector Don Snider, CARFTF Commander.   

“We can only have this level of high impact through the supportive leadership of our partners in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The commitment to safer communities is deeply apparent. My sincere gratitude goes out to our U.S. Marshals, police chiefs, sheriffs, state police colonels, and federal agency leaders. The CARFTF is the ultimate team environment, and I am grateful for the effective communication and collaboration that we experience across all our partnerships.”

Agencies participating in Operation Nazare Wave include:

U.S. Marshals Service; Metropolitan Police Department; U.S. Attorney’s Office; Metro Transit Police Department; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations; Diplomatic Security Service; Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; DC Department of Corrections; Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office; Prince George’s County Police Department; Montgomery County Police Department; Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office; Maryland State Police; Charles County Sheriff’s Office; Hyattsville Police Department; Maryland Department of Public Safety; Howard County Police Department; Forest Heights Police Department; Fairfax County Police Department; City of Fairfax Police Department; Prince William County Police Department; Alexandria Police Department; Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office; Stafford County Sheriff’s Office; Virginia State Police; City of Dumfries Police Department.

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U.S. Marshals Arrest Maine Fugitive in New Orleans, Louisiana

Source: US Marshals Service

Portland, ME – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Maine Violent Offender Task Force (MVOTF) announces the arrest of Aziayh Scott, 23, of Hammond, Louisiana.

Scott was arrested in New Orleans, Louisiana, on a warrant issued from the State of Maine, charging Scott with Manslaughter in connection with the death of a 22 month-old child back in May of 2024 in Maine.

The Maine State Police requested the assistance of the USMS, Maine Violent Offender Task Force with locating and apprehending Scott. Through a collaborative law enforcement effort, authorities developed information which led investigators to New Orleans, Louisiana.

This morning, Task Force members from the USMS, Eastern District of Louisiana, New Orleans Task Force, were able to locate Scott at a residence and safely apprehend him without incident.

Scott is charged as a Fugitive from Justice and will be arraigned in Louisiana pending his extradition back to Maine.

The USMS, Maine Violent Offender Task Force received significant assistance from the USMS, Eastern District of Louisiana, New Orleans Task Force. 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 Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Maine National Guard Counterdrug 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.

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Maine Fugitive Arrested for Gross Sexual Assault

Source: US Marshals Service

Portland, ME – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in Maine announces the arrest of Nakoma Polches, 42, of Indian Township, ME.

Polches was arrested on Tuesday, June 4th, 2024, in Mashpee, Massachusetts, on a warrant for Gross Sexual Assault. The Passamaquoddy Police Department in Maine requested the assistance from the USMS Maine Violent Offender Task Force (MVOTF) with locating Polches. Polches is charged as a Fugitive from Justice and will be arraigned in Massachusetts pending his extradition back to Maine.

The MVOTF and the Passamaquoddy Police Department worked collaboratively and provided information to the USMS Massachusetts Fugitive Task Force (MAFTF), as Polches was believed to be in Massachusetts. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS), Falmouth, Barnstable and Mashpee, Massachusetts Police Departments. He was placed under arrest by the Mashpee Police without incident.

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 Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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.