Category: US Marshals Service

Source: US Marshals Service

Source: US Marshals Service

Atlanta, GA – Today, members of the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) arrested Ian Price, 21, near Atlanta, Georgia. Price was wanted by the Cleveland Division of Police for aggravated murder.

According to the Cleveland Division of Police, on August 15, 2023, officers from the 5th District responded to the area of the 10500 block of Massie Ave. and located an unresponsive male lying face down with multiple gunshot wounds. The male eventually succumbed to his wounds and was later identified as a 14-year-old juvenile from Cleveland. Ian Price was later identified as a suspect in this incident and a warrant for homicide was issued for his arrest.

Task Force Officers from the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) discovered through investigative measures that Price fled Ohio and was residing in Georgia. Today, members of the SERFTF arrested Price at a residence near the 900 block of S. Deshon Road, Lithonia, Georgia because of the information developed by the NOVFTF.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “The senseless violence and killing of juveniles needs to stop. Our USMS task force will do everything in our authority to bring these violent fugitives to justice, including arresting them over 700 miles away from Cleveland.”

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.

Source: US Marshals Service

Tucson, AZ – A couple wanted in the U.S. on multiple charges, including the 2018 kidnapping of their own children, were arrested April 5 in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and their two children have been safely returned to the Arizona Department of Child Services.

Luis Alberto Herrera Ramirez and Andrea Vanessa Ramirez were arrested by ministerial agents of the Specialized Unit to Combat Kidnapping of the State Attorney General’s Office, in collaboration with INTERPOL and the U.S. Marshals (USMS) in the District of Arizona and the USMS Mexico Foreign Field Office.

The children were recovered safely and transported to Arizona where they will be turned over to the Department of Child Safety care until they can be reunited with family. The Ramirezes will remain in custody in Mexico pending their return to Arizona to face the charges against them.

On May 4, 2018, an arrest warrant was issued by Pima County Superior Court after the Ramirezes assaulted an Arizona Department of Child Safety employee and kidnapped their two biological children.

At the time of the incident, both parents were on bond after being indicted for numerous counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and child abuse with a firearm. As a result of these charges, the Ramirez children were removed from their parents’ care and were placed in the custody of the state. During court ordered visitation at a local park in Tucson, Herrera-Ramirez and Ramirez assaulted an Arizona Department of Child Safety worker with a Taser device, and tied her to a tree, before fleeing with their two young children.

On May 3, 2019, the Pima County Superior Court found Herrera-Ramirez and Ramirez guilty in absentia on the indicted charges, including sexual abuse of minors, sexual exploitation, manufacture of child pornography, aggravated assault, kidnapping and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Shortly after, the U.S. Marshals Service elevated the investigation to major case status.

The USMS District of Arizona Task Force adopted the case and immediately began working to locate and apprehend Herrera-Ramirez and Ramirez, with the goal of recovering the children. After running down numerous leads, USMS investigators determined the Ramirezes had fled to Mexico.

In August 2023, investigators developed information that the Ramirezes were possibly residing in Aguascalientes and were living under aliases to avoid detection. U.S. Marshals Service personnel continued to work to narrow down a specific location and were able to identify an associate of the Ramirezes who was believed to be aiding them. In March 2024, numerous tips came in, verifying that the suspects were in fact living in Aguascalientes, and had been for several years.

“Of all of the dangerous fugitives the U.S. Marshals arrest, the individuals who are charged with crimes against minors are especially important to us,” said acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona Van Bayless. “The tireless work and cooperation between local, federal and international law enforcement agencies ensured those who violate the trust of children are held responsible for their actions.”

“After five years of hard work, diligence, and perseverance by our federal, state, and local partners, two violent criminals have been apprehended and these children have been brought home safely,” said Tucson Chief of Police Chad E. Kasmar, “When Luis Herrera-Ramirez and Andrea Ramirez committed an unthinkable crime against children and violently assaulted a DCS worker, it deeply affected our Tucson community. I am grateful for the hard work of all our partners in this multijurisdictional operation.”

The children’s story was featured in the Jan. 22 episode of “America’s Most Wanted.”

The Ramirezes will remain in custody in Mexico pending resolution of their extradition proceedings.

A critical mission of the U.S. Marshals Service is enforcement of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. The U.S. Marshals Service is committed to assisting local and state law enforcement with investigating and apprehending sex offenders who are not in compliance with their registration and fugitive sex offenders. The U.S. Marshals Service led Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force is responsible for more than 2324 arrests in the last year. 

Source: US Marshals Service

Source: US Marshals Service

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) showcased remarkable dedication on March 23rd and 24th, 2024, by honoring and paying tribute to fallen heroes U.S. Marshal (USM) Kenneth Muir and Deputy U.S. Marshal (DUSM) Robert Cheshire at the Baker to Vegas (B2V) Challenge Cup Relay. The B2V race isn’t just a run; it’s a grueling test of endurance, grit, and camaraderie like no other. Running 120-miles through Death Valley over the course of two-days, facing extreme temperatures ranging from scorching heat to bone-chilling cold, this race pushes Deputies to their limits and beyond. Despite formidable challenges, our three USMS teams exhibited athleticism, unwavering dedication, and profound commitment to honoring the fallen heroes within our USMS Family. The USMS Elite Running Team, USMS Women’s Blue Team, and USMS Women’s Silver Team all proudly represented the USMS this past weekend, with the Elite team securing 6th place in their category and “mugging” (an award granted to the highest achieving teams).  

Each team, made up of 20 runners who are sworn DUSMs, alternate runners who are also sworn DUSMs, support staff, and volunteers – train throughout the year to prepare for this historical event that pushes the limits of endurance, mental stamina, athleticism, and willpower. During the race, each runner wears the names of the DUSMs who died in the line of duty and work as a team to carry the baton across the finish line. While supported by the Agency, each team is funded entirely by the runners and donations, team members use their leave to participate with the majority returning year after year.

The B2V race is the largest law enforcement event of its kind and brings together law enforcement teams from all around the world to offer a positive event in support of law enforcement today. It challenges individual participants, mentally and physically, and compels teamwork. The sense of accomplishment and shared work builds camaraderie and pride and brings together elite DUSMs and team members from around the agency. Most importantly, it is a means to reflect and remember our fallen. It’s a reminder of why we dedicate our lives to this law enforcement mission. This year, both teams ran in memory of USM Muir and DUSM Cheshire. Their line of duty deaths on February 13, 1983, stemmed from a harrowing gun battle during a standoff in North Dakota, and underscore the inherent risks faced by law enforcement. Despite this tragic loss, the USMS’s commitment to honoring their legacy was evident in the teams’ participation and unwavering resolve. As preparations for future B2Vs commence, the USMS encourages participation and support, emphasizing the collective spirit that drives these teams forward. The dedication of runners, alternates, support staff, and volunteers reflects a culture of unity, resilience, and remembrance, ensuring that USMS fallen are honored and their legacy upheld. 

We couldn’t be prouder of our three teams representing the USMS, for their relentless determination, their tireless training throughout the year, and their spirit in the face of adversity. As each team crosses the finish line, they not only achieve personal victories, but also carry forward the legacy of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country. They are true champions embodying the essence of what it means to be part of the USMS Family – honoring our fallen, supporting one another, and inspiring us all to reach new heights. 

Source: US Marshals Service

Las Cruces, NM – The U.S. Marshals District of New Mexico Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team (USMS-SWIFT) developed information on April 9, 2024, resulting in the arrest of a man in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, MX. Subject is wanted for his involvement in a homicide that took place in Mesilla, New Mexico on April 1, 2024.

Oscar Renee Sandoval, 57, was arrested by Mexican authorities, after leads were developed through a multiagency effort to locate and apprehend Sandoval.

Sandoval is wanted by the Mesilla Marshals in Mesilla, NM for the murder of his wife on the night of April 1, 2024, near University Avenue and Stanford Street.

The United States Marshal Service D/NM Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT) adopted the case on April 2nd. With the assistance from the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, the Mesilla Marshals, and the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, leads of Sandoval’s whereabouts began to develop, ultimately leading authorities to Ciudad Juarez, MX.

On April 9, 2024, Mexican authorities “Agencia Estatal de Investigacion de Chihuahua” (AEI) located and placed Sandoval into custody in Ciudad Juarez.

On April 10, 2024, Sandoval was extradited by Mexican officials and placed into the custody of the United States Marshals Service D/NM at the Port of Entry in Santa Teresa, NM. Sandoval was subsequently booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center pending the charge of First-Degree Murder (Willful and Deliberate).

“I would like to thank the United States Marshals Service, Dept. of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office for their collaboration with the arrest of Oscar Sandoval. We are a small department with a big department mentality. We are thankful for the partnerships and resources made available by our federal and local partners. On behalf of the Mesilla Marshals Office, we thank all involved in ensuring justice was served.” stated Sargent Tress Diaz of the Mesilla Marshals.

“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is proud to have partnered in a unified and effective manner with our law enforcement partners on both sides of the border to assist with the return of a sought-after homicide suspect back to U.S. soil,” said HSI El Paso Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric McLoughlin. “Cases like this continue to send a message to those evading justice that there is nowhere they can hide, and they will be held accountable for their actions.”

“The United States Marshal Service in the District of New Mexico, is committed to protecting our communities by relentlessly locating, pursuing, and apprehending fugitives – domestically and internationally. The arrest of Oscar Sandoval is an example of the collective partnerships and dedication demonstrated by local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel committed to protecting the citizens that we serve.”  – Acting U.S. Marshal, Russell Lashley

The U.S. Marshals Service District of New Mexico – Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team for this arrest was composed of officers/agents from the USMS Taskforce, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, Mesilla Marshals, and the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with information on wanted fugitives is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or the USMS Tips App.

Source: US Marshals Service

Arkansas law enforcement officers were dispatched following a report of a possible deceased person in a roadside area near Interstate 440 in North Little Rock Feb. 13. A commercial truck driver had alerted an Arkansas Highway Police officer to a deceased woman wrapped inside a blanket he had noticed from the on-ramp.

Arkansas state troopers, along with North Little Rock patrol officers, had also arrived at the scene and discovered a child’s car seat further down the hill. Beside it were what appeared to be the lifeless bodies of two children — a 2-month-old infant and a 16-month-old toddler.

North Little Rock Police Department homicide detectives were called to the scene to investigate. Detective Michael Gibbons, who is also a Task Force Officer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Detective Cody Brown, a Task Force Officer with the U.S. Marshals Service Eastern Arkansas Fugitive Task Force, responded.

Before beginning their initial crime scene walk-through, Brown contacted Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services and requested they respond to the location to give an official medical assessment of the victims.

While examining the bodies of the two children for possible evidence, Gibbons believed he saw the toddler move and immediately called out for Brown to come assist. Brown ran down the hillside, picked up the child and began lifesaving measures.

Recognizing that the child was possibly hypothermic due to exposure, Brown immediately removed his own sweatshirt and wrapped it around the child’s body to rewarm him. Brown and other officers then began to try to open the toddler’s airway as he appeared to be having difficulty breathing. Brown administered back thrusts and rescue breaths as he continued warming the child and trying to revive him. The toddler slowly began to regain consciousness as MEMS (Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services) arrived on scene, and he was transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in critical condition.  

North Little Rock Police later named 43-year-old Willie Leon Mott Jr. as a person of interest in the murders of 27-year-old Teangela Tate and her infant son Noel Tate. That same evening, the U.S. Marshals Eastern Arkansas Fugitive Task Force began searching for Mott on unrelated charges and within hours, located him at a residence in Jacksonville and took him into custody without incident.

Police later learned Mott and Tate had been in a relationship and lived together in Jacksonville and that Mott was the infant’s father. Mott was charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of attempted capital murder.

In a ceremony in the U.S. Marshals task force office in Little Rock March 8, Brown (left photo in green T-shirt) and Gibbons (right photo, holding plaque) were each presented district lifesaving awards by acting U.S. Marshal Cory Harris, acting Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Terry Bumann, and North Little Rock Police Chief Patrick Thessing.

During the next several weeks, Brown and Gibbons would visit the child in the hospital. 

On March 26, the boy was discharged and living with his grandmother.

Source: US Marshals Service

Source: US Marshals Service

Cleveland, OH – The U.S. Marshals (USMS) in Maryland, in conjunction with the USMS in Cleveland, OH arrested Stephan A. Pittman (46) in Fort Washington, Maryland earlier today. Pittman was wanted by the USMS for failure to register as a sex offender and by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) for failure to appear on prior sex offender registration violations.

Pittman was convicted of sexual assault in Texas in 2009 and required to register as a sex offender under the Adam Walsh Act.  Pittman was released from a Texas prison in 2014 and relocated to Cleveland. It was alleged that Pittman violated his registration requirements while living in Cleveland and the CCSO obtained a warrant for his arrest. Pittman fled, becoming a fugitive. He was tracked by the USMS to Germany however he was not subject to extradition under German law and the case went cold.

While residing in Germany Pittman was again convicted of a sex offense, this time the forcible rape of a 15-year-old girl.

Last year Pittman returned to the U.S. from Germany and was arrested on his outstanding warrant. Pittman was released on bond, however in March he failed to appear for a hearing and a new warrant was issued.

During this time, the U.S. Marshals also investigated Pittman for alleged violations of federal sex offender registration laws, and a federal arrest warrant was issued in March following indictment. The U.S. Marshals Service is the primary federal law enforcement agency responsible for investigating violations of the Adam Walsh Act and International Meghan’s Law.

Pittman remains in custody in Maryland pending hearings in Cleveland and Maryland.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said “This investigation spanned nearly a decade and involved law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. Even some abroad. This type of cooperation is paramount to protect our communities and takes a habitual predator off the streets.”

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

On March 22, 2024, Task Force Officer (TFO) Scott Chambers was presented with the Purple Heart Award from the United States Marshals Service (USMS). Chambers showed exceptional bravery and courage when he was shot and injured while executing an arrest warrant in Hampton, VA with the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARTF). 

On January 11, 2023, members of CARTF attempted to arrest a homicide suspect through a vehicle containment in Hampton, VA. The suspect was in the passenger side of the vehicle. He stepped out armed with handguns in both hands. He fired multiple rounds towards members of the CARTF team. Several of these rounds struck TFO Scott Chambers in the left shoulder and left thigh. Chambers and fellow members of CARTF returned fire and the suspect was incapacitated. Multiple task force members provided trauma aid to Chambers and he was taken via ambulance to the local trauma center. TFO Chambers underwent significant surgeries to repair extensive damage and spent several days in the intensive care unit. 

“We are all grateful to TFO Chambers for his sacrifice. The courage and tenacity it takes to perform this too often perilous work is a testament to not only Scott, but to all of our Deputies and Task Force Officers,” said Director Ronald L. Davis.  

“This is humbling and I simply want to say thank you to those on the task force for the roles you play,” said TFO Scott Chambers. “This was a team effort, and I am thankful for the team we have. Being on the task force with the U.S. Marshals is the highlight of my career.” 

The USMS is incredibly grateful to TFO Chambers and we are all so happy he is ok after this incident. His skills, years of service, and decisiveness saved his and most likely others lives that day. His work with CARTF each day is appreciated and will be remembered for years to come. 

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The United States Marshals Service (USMS) oversees the nation’s regional fugitive task forces, established under the Presidential Threat Protection Act of 2000. The purpose of regional fugitive task forces is to combine the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend the most dangerous fugitives and assist in high profile investigations.

The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) began operations in June of 2004 and was among the first Regional Fugitive Task Forces to become fully operational following the Presidential Threat Protection Act of 2000. The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force has partnership agreements with over 100 federal, state, and local agencies and has 8 fully operational offices.

The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force has successfully apprehended over 102,700 fugitives since its inception and has made an extraordinary impact on the apprehension of the region’s most dangerous and violent fugitives, always striving to make their communities safer.