Category: US Marshals Service

Source: US Marshals Service

Memphis, TN – On July 15, 2025, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) arrested two women wanted in unrelated Memphis murders in different states. Talia Jones, 19, was arrested in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for Facilitation of First-Degree Murder and Janae Bradley, 32, was arrested in Memphis for First-Degree Murder.

On January 10, 2025, Patrick Houston Jr., was shot to death near the intersection of Ketchum Road and Long Street in Memphis. Houston is the son of Memphis rapper, Patrick Houston, Sr., also known as Project Pat. Following an investigation by the Memphis Police Department (MPD), on June 27, 2025, a warrant was issued for Talia Jones for Facilitation of First-Degree Murder.

The case was adopted for a fugitive investigation by the USMS Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) in Memphis. Investigators with the TRVFTF developed information that Jones had fled to Minnesota and provided investigative leads to the USMS North Star Fugitive Task Force in Minneapolis. The USMS caught up with Jones yesterday in Minneapolis, but she did not go into custody quietly. She fought Task Force members and actively resisted arrest; however, she was subdued without injury to anyone involved. She is currently in custody awaiting extradition to Tennessee.

Janae Bradley’s arrest stems from an incident on February 22, 2025, when Terrica Tabor was shot to death near the 2900 block of Third Street in Memphis. MPD investigated the case, and a First-Degree Murder warrant was issued for Bradley on February 26, 2025.

The fugitive case was adopted by the TRVFTF. By working with known associates, Task Force Investigators convinced Bradley to turn herself in on July 15.

“The U.S. Marshals Service’s partnership with the Memphis Police Department is strong and effective,” said U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller. “Our collaboration continues to bring violent offenders to justice.”

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 over 3,000 violent offenders and sexual predators.

Source: US Marshals Service

Washington, DC – Throughout the spring and summer months of 2025, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) has focused collaborative enforcement efforts on violent criminal alien fugitives in support of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force.

USMS fugitive investigators and resources throughout the DMV (District of Maryland, Virginia) have partnered with Immigration Officers and are dialed in on locating and apprehending fugitive gang members associated with transnational criminal organizations like MS-13, 18th Street, and Tren de Aragua. The joint effort has yielded several arrests thus far and the mission continues.

Significant arrests:

Gerson Osmin Saravia- Fuentes
Arrested on July 9, on warrants from Frederick, Maryland, for first-degree assault and firearm use during the commission of a felony violent crime. Saravia-Fuentes is a citizen of El Salvador and validated member of MS-13. In addition to Saravia-Fuentes, the investigation yielded five additional arrests of individuals without status in the United States.  

Kevin Josue Cuestas
Arrested on May 5, on a warrant for first-degree murder charges out of Baltimore. Cuestas is a citizen of El Salvador and validated member of MS-13. During the investigation, three others were arrested for being illegally present in the United States, and a firearm and MS-13 paraphernalia were recovered.  

Jose Anibal Guardado-Orellana
Arrested on May 12 on warrants from Prince George’s County, Maryland, on first- and second-degree murder charges. Guardado-Orellana is a citizen of El Salvador and validated member of the 18th Street Revolutionary gang. During the investigation, it was discovered that the fugitive was also wanted by El Salvador authorities on charges of homicide and association to a terrorist organization.  

Kevin Adonay Penate-Saenz
Arrested on Mach 19, in Portsmouth, Virginia, on warrants for rape, forcible sodomy, aggravated sexual battery, and object sexual penetration. Penate-Saenz is a citizen of El Salvador and validated member of MS-13.

Adrian Castro-Sanchez
Arrested on March 13 in Hyattsville, Maryland, on a warrant for first-degree assault. Castro-Sanchez is a Venezuelan citizen and is affiliated with the Tren De Aragua criminal gang.  

Jose Alexander Olivar-Vigil
Arrested on March 25 in Montgomery County, Maryland, on charges of first-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, and firearm use during the commission of a felony violent crime. Olivar-Vigil is a citizen of El Salvador and affiliated with the criminal gang MS-13.

The USMS is committed to enhancing the safety of our communities through the investigation and arrest of violent fugitives, including those who are in the United States illegally. The USMS coordinates closely with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations to ensure these dangerous individuals are appropriately processed through immigration proceedings.    

See photos from the ongoing operation: https://www.flickr.com/gp/usmarshals/16v89Du327 

The USMS Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force is a Congressionally backed 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 more than 110,300 fugitives, including over 6,855 wanted for murder.  

Source: US Marshals Service

Cheyenne, WY – The U.S. Marshals (USMS) District of Wyoming Fugitive Task Force (WFTF), along with members from the USMS Special Operations Group and with the assistance of several partner agencies, located and arrested early Friday a fugitive wanted on sexual assault and other charges.

Ricky Ayers, 53, a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen who had made threats against law enforcement during previous encounters, was wanted for sexual assault in the first degree, aggravated burglary, felonious restraint, and domestic battery.  

Due to potential heightened threats to law enforcement, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office in Laramie asked for USMS assistance in apprehending Ayers, and the WFTF adopted the case for apprehension.

Investigators developed information that Ayers had a probable stockpile of weapons within his cabin and property in a remote area of Albany County.  After taking Ayers into custody, the team located numerous weapons, primarily rifles, scattered throughout the property address.

Other agencies involved in Ayers’ capture include the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, Platte County Sheriff’s Office, Cheyenne Police Department SWAT, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Forest Service.

The Wyoming Fugitive Task Force, which is headed by the U.S. Marshals Service, District of Wyoming, was created in February 2004. Its mission is to track, locate, and apprehend state and federal fugitives. The Wyoming Fugitive Task Force is composed of numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Tips of wanted subjects or subjects who may be in violation of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act can be shared by submitting a tip through https://www.p3tips.com/USMS.aspx. 

Source: US Marshals Service

Wheeling, WV – Three (3) subjects were located and arrested in Powhatten, Belmont County, OH.

Jesse Thompson, 21, Chaz Suarez, 23, and Stormetta Hawkins, 32, were arrested today around 8:00am by the U.S. Marshals Service – Mountain State Fugitive Task Force in Powhatten, OH. Thompson, Suarez and Hawkins were wanted by the Moundsville Police Department due to an investigation involving a home invasion where the victims were pistol whipped and five (5) firearms were stolen.    

The U.S. Marshals Service was requested to assist in locating Thompson, Suarez and Hawkins from Moundsville Police Department. Deputy U.S. Marshals received information that the subjects were staying in Powhatten, OH.     

On July 11, 2025, Deputy Marshals, Task Force Officers, Belmont County Sheriff Deputies and Powhatten Police responded to 200 block of State Route 7 in Powhatten, OH. U.S. Marshals announced their presence and immediately located and arrested Thompson, after further search of the residence Hawkins and Suarez were located and placed in custody. During the search of Suarez, DUSMs located a loaded H&K .45 caliber pistol in his waist band. Upon further investigation, Powhatten Police Department and Belmont County conducted a search of the residence and located and seized two (2) additional firearms which were  suspected to be from the home invasion, ammunition and small amount of suspected Methamphetamine.   

All subjects were transported to the Belmont County Jail in Flushing, OH pending extradition hearing to West Virginia.

The U.S. Marshals Service is the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency, having served the country since 1789. 

Source: US Marshals Service

Boise, ID – The U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force is seeking the assistance of the public who were recreating in the Sawtooth National Forest in the last 24 hours – specific to the Bear Creek area.

Travis Caleb Decker is wanted by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office in Washington State for 3 counts of murder and 3 counts of kidnapping of his 3 children aged 5, 8, and 9 on 5/30/2025.

Beginning on July 5, 2025, the U.S. Marshal Service received a tip from a family recreating in the Bear Creek area of the Sawtooth National Forest, consistent with the description of Travis Decker.

The person believed to be Travis Decker was described as a white male, 5’8”-5”10 wearing a black mesh cap, black gauged earrings, cream colored t-shirt, black shorts, long ponytail, black Garmin style watch, beard and mustache overgrown, wearing a black Jan Sport backpack and either converse or vans low top shoes.

The U.S. Marshals Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force is a state-wide cooperative to locate and arrest violent state and federal fugitives. Member agencies who work together with the U.S. Marshal Service throughout the State of Idaho are the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell Police Department, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Idaho State Police, Idaho Department of Corrections, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Nampa Police Department, and the Pocatello Police Department. 

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

Source: US Marshals Service

Memphis, TN – The U.S. Marshals (USMS) Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) arrested 1st degree murder suspect Kemarion Ward, age 19, in Memphis, Tennessee today. In an unrelated case they also arrested Thaddius Brown, age 29, for Murder 2.

On December 10, 2023, Germaniee Stephens was found shot to death in Indianola, Mississippi. Sunflower County, Mississippi, issued an arrest warrant for Kemarion Ward on January 24, 2024, for this crime. The fugitive investigation was adopted on February 9, 2024, by the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, Oxford, Mississippi office.

It came to light that Ward was in the Memphis, Tennessee area. The Gulf Coast Task Force immediately began working with the U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force. The Two Rivers Task Force went to a residence in the 3100 block of Duke Ellington Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee. Ward was found there and taken into custody without incident. At the time of this release, he is at the Shelby County Detention Center awaiting extradition.

The U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force based out of Brooklyn, New York, began a fugitive investigation on Thaddius Brown on June 24, 2025. Brown was wanted by New York for Murder 2. When the investigation revealed that Brown had fled to the Memphis area, investigators with the New York/New Jersey Task Force traveled to Memphis and joined hands with the Two Rivers Task Force to locate the fugitive.

Approximately one hour after Ward was taken into custody, members of the Two Rivers Task Force located Brown at a residence at the 6400 block of Crossbrook. He was taken into custody without incident and at the time of this release awaits extradition at the Shelby County Detention Center back to New York City.

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 over 3,000 violent offenders and sexual predators.

Source: US Marshals Service

Portland, ME – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in Maine, announce the arrest of Ja’bril Roynell Walters, 31, in Auburn, ME for first-degree murder, second-degree murder, use of a firearm in commission of a violent crime, and 5 counts of first degree assault. All warrants were issued out of the State of Maryland.

The USMS led, Maine Violent Offender Task Force (MVOTF), received a collateral lead from the USMS Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) in Maryland. They believed Walters had fled to Maine and maybe be hiding under an alias. Walters had been wanted since July of 2024.

Task Force members, through thorough investigative efforts, which spanned the towns of Durham, Lewiston, and Auburn, developed significant information which led investigators to a residence in Auburn, ME. Task Force members were able to identify Walters inside a house and safely apprehend him without incident.

Walters was charged as a Fugitive from Justice, pending his extradition back to Maryland.

The District of Maine’s, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal, Josh Taylor said, “The Maine Violent Offender Task Force will go to unlimited lengths to bring dangerous fugitives to justice in order to keep communities in Maine safe.” The USMS MVOTF was also assisted by the Lewiston Police Department.

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. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Maine National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service.

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

Newark, NJ – The U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, in coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, has concluded Operation Apex Hammer, a high-impact fugitive apprehension initiative resulting in the arrest of 264 violent offenders, including murder suspects, sex offenders, and known gang members.

Launched in early June 2025, Operation Apex Hammer targeted the nation’s most dangerous fugitives and individuals wanted for crimes including homicide, armed robbery, assault, weapons trafficking, and sexual offenses involving children. The month-long operation spanned throughout the state of New Jersey focusing on areas with high rates of violent crime and outstanding felony warrants with most arrests taking place in Camden and Newark.

“Operation Apex Hammer sent a clear message,” said U.S. Marshal for the District of New Jersey Juan Mattos Jr. “The U.S. Marshals and our partner agencies will never stop pursuing those who threaten the safety of our communities. This operation reflects our unwavering commitment to protect communities by targeting and removing the most dangerous individuals from our streets.”

Among the notable arrests:

• Lorenzo Benitez, 54, an illegal alien from Guatemala, wanted out of Keansburg for multiple counts of sexual assault, arrested June 4 in Plainfield.
• Darlin Franco-Guzman, 25, an illegal alien from Honduras, wanted out of Baltimore County for burglary and attempted sexual assault of a 12-year-old female, arrested June 10 in Trenton.
• Stephen Bullock, 32, wanted for the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 76-year-old woman in Camden County, arrested June 13 in Hi-Nella.
• Shawn Davis, 38, wanted for a 2024 homicide in Trenton, arrested June 13 in Brooklyn, New York.
• Luis Duval-Jimenez, 31, wanted for attempted murder after he ran over a South Brunswick police officer with his vehicle in May 2025, arrested June 18 in North Arlington.
• Trasuf Bennett, 20, and a juvenile accomplice, wanted for the drive-by shooting murder of a 20-year-old male victim in Milleville, arrested June 19 in Trenton.
• Francisco Ruiz, 67, wanted for sexual assault by contact, terroristic threats, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal restraint, arrested June 20 in Bayonne.

In addition to the arrests of 17 homicide suspects and 95 gang members, a total of 14 illegal firearms were seized. Of the 264 arrested, 31 were captured out-of-state and 2 overseas. Emphasizing the seriousness of the criminality of these 264 fugitives, they combined for an astounding total of 2,625 prior arrests.

“This was a unified effort,” said Mattos. “Our task force, federal agencies, local, and state partners worked side-by-side to ensure this mission’s success. The results speak for themselves.”

“I have seen firsthand the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement partners, and I proudly stand with them in this fight,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba. “Operation Apex Hammer is proof of what we can accomplish when we come together to drive violent crime out of our communities. I especially commend the U.S. Marshals Service for their relentless pursuit of dangerous fugitives and their commitment to bringing those who terrorize our neighborhoods to justice.” 

Operation Apex Hammer was focused on identifying and apprehending high-threat fugitives using intelligence-led policing, community engagement, and interagency collaboration. The U.S. Marshals Service remains committed to pursuing justice and ensuring that the nation’s most dangerous fugitives are brought to justice.

The U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force is comprised of individuals from the following agencies:

New Jersey State Police, New Jersey State Parole, New Jersey Department of Corrections, Port Authority Police Department, Passaic County Sheriff, Essex County Sheriff, Union County Sheriff, Mercer County Sheriff, Monmouth County Sheriff, Ocean County Sheriff, Burlington County Sheriff, Camden County Sheriff, Hudson County Sheriff, Gloucester County Sheriff, Salem County Sheriff, Atlantic County Sheriff, Somerset County Sheriff, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Salem County Prosecutor’s Office, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Newark PD, Jersey City PD, Trenton PD, Camden Metro PD, Atlantic City PD, Asbury Park PD, Vineland PD, Pennsauken PD, Flemington PD, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,  and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Source: US Marshals Service

Wheeling, WV – Late this morning, members of the U.S. Marshals led Mountain State Fugitive Task Force arrested wanted fugitive Devin Roberts, 42.  Roberts was wanted by the Cleveland Division of Police for murder as well as by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department for probation violations.  

On June 16, 2025, Cleveland Police responded to gunshots in the area of Parkgate Ave. and East 105th St. When officers arrived, they received information that one victim had been shot and that the suspect was possibly located in a home nearby.  The victim of the shooting, De’Ante Kidd, 34, was found deceased on the porch of a home on Parkgate Ave.  Cleveland SWAT responded to a second location where they believed the suspect to be.  At the time the suspect, Devin Roberts, was not located. A warrant was issued for Roberts’ arrest and the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) began searching for him.  

As members of the NOVFTF began searching for Roberts, they believed that he had fled the Cleveland area after the crime.  Today, information was provided to the U.S. Marshals in Wheeling, West Virginia that Roberts may be hiding in their area.  The task force was able to locate Roberts in Brilliant, Ohio.  He was arrested without incident during a traffic stop in the area of 1400 3rd St. Roberts will remain in custody until he can be extradited back to Cleveland for the charges against him.  

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “This suspect has brought violence and fear to the Cleveland community, we are thankful for the dedicated work of the Detectives in the Cleveland homicide unit as well as the quick actions by members of our task force and in West Virginia.  The suspect is behind bars and the communities are 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

Corpus, Christi, TX – The Cold Case Unit of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Gulf Coast Violent Offenders and Fugitive Task Force (GCVOTF) – Corpus Christi Division, working in conjunction with the USMS in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, located and arrested in Wisconsin a fugitive on the run for over 17 years.

Agustin Rivera-Contreras was wanted on a Nov. 7, 2007 arrest warrant issued by a U.S. District Judge in the Southern District of Texas for violating the conditions of supervised release. Rivera-Contreras was under court ordered supervision for aiding and abetting to possess with intent to distribute 2.06 kilograms of cocaine. Additionally, Rivera-Contreras was wanted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for being an alien unlawfully present due to an order of removal.

On May 9, 2025, the Cold Case Unit submitted a collateral lead request to the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Deputy U.S. Marshals followed up on the lead, which ultimately resulted in Rivera-Contreras’ capture.

On July 1, Rivera-Contreras’ 17-year run finally ended when Marshals located him at a residence in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, hiding in a closet under a pile of clothes.

The GCVOTF Cold Case Unit was formed to devote specialized investigative efforts to capturing fugitives who have been on the run for several years.