Category: US Marshals Service

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U.S. Marshals Capture Columbus Human Trafficking Suspect

Source: US Marshals Service

Columbus, OH – The U.S. Marshals Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) arrested Sarah Dotson on January 11, 2024.

Sarah Dotson was wanted by the Columbus Human Trafficking Task Force for Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity, Trafficking in Drugs, Possession of Drugs, Weapons Under Disability, Trafficking in Persons, Compel Prostitution, and Promoting Prostitution. Dotson was charged in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. The U.S. Marshal’s Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) adopted the fugitive investigation. The Columbus Human Trafficking Task Force and SOFAST learned Dotson was likely still in the Columbus area. Dotson was safely apprehended in the 100 Block of Front Street, Groveport, Ohio. Dotson is now in the custody of the Franklin County Jail.

“The United States Marshals Service, through its fugitive task forces, assists state and local agencies in finding those hiding from justice. This safe arrest of this human trafficking suspect occurred quickly due to the ongoing collaborative efforts between the Columbus Human Trafficking Task Force and our violent fugitive task force. – 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, Mount Vernon 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, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Whitehall Police Department, and Zanesville Police Department.

Anyone with information on any fugitive may submit an anonymous web tip.

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Rhode Island Fugitive Captured in Connecticut

Source: US Marshals Service

New Haven, CT —The U.S. Marshals in Connecticut and Rhode Island, along with Rhode Island and Connecticut police today arrested a man wanted on robbery charges in Rhode Island.

Mark Heath, 34, of Killingly, Connecticut, was identified by the Foster, Rhode Island, police as the suspect in a Dec. 28, 2023, armed robbery in the 180 block of Hartford Turnpike. A warrant was issued for his arrest, charging him with first-degree armed robbery.

Early today, members of the Connecticut and Rhode Island U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force, Rhode Island State Police, Connecticut State Police, and Killingly Police Department arrested Heath at a hotel in the 700 block of Hartford Pike in Dayville, Connecticut.

Heath was transported to Connecticut State Troop Barracks D where he will be held pending extradition to Rhode Island.  

Two acquaintances of Heath were found to have failure to appear warrants from the State of Connecticut and were also transported to Troop D for processing.

Since the inception of the U.S. Marshals – Connecticut Violent Fugitive Task Force in 1999, these partnerships have resulted in over 11,046 arrests (Updated as of 9/08/2022). The task force’s objective is to seek out and arrest violent fugitives and sexual predators. Membership agencies include Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Norwalk, Waterbury Police Departments and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These arrests have ranged in seriousness from murder, assault, unregistered sex offenders, probation and parole violations and numerous other serious offenses. 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.

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U.S. Marshals Offer up to $10K for NC Man Charged with Wife’s Murder

Source: US Marshals Service

Charlotte, NC – The U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force is asking for the public’s assistance with locating a Conover man wanted by the U.S. Marshals and Conover Police Department for first-degree murder.

Donald Ray Hodges, aka Tyrone Evans, aka Unique Hodges, 50, is alleged to have murdered his wife in May 2022. 

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to Hodges’ arrest. 

On May 4, 2022, the Conover Police Department responded to a shooting in the 700 block of 2nd Street SW in Conover and discovered Tinikia Danayale Hodges, of Conover, with gunshot wounds. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police encountered Hodges in a Charlotte hotel that morning hours before Tinikia Hodges was discovered. He appeared to be under the influence of hallucinogenic narcotics and was vandalizing the lobby area of a hotel. He was transported to a local hospital but left before receiving any treatment.. 

On May 10, 2022, the Conover Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Hodges for first-degree murder. Hodges has not been seen since the date of the homicide, and it is believed that Hodges is aware of his charges and is actively evading law enforcement.

Hodges is a black male, standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 273 pounds with a muscular build. He is bald, has brown eyes, and usually has a beard. Hodges has multiple tattoos on his chest and arms, to include an “OG” on his chest, a dog on his right shoulder, “TNT Hardcore” on his left shoulder and “Love Shirley Nancy,” as well as a Masonic symbol on his left arm.

“I urge any citizen who knows anything about Mr. Hodge’s location to please take a second and make that information known to us or any local law enforcement officer or agency,” said Terry Burgin, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of North Carolina. “Please help bring some closure to the murdered victim’s family and loved ones by bringing this wanted fugitive closer to justice.”

Investigators have learned additional details about Hodges that might help lead to his location: 

Hodges is known to befriend and use people to obtain money to help him avoid capture. Investigators say they believe he may be meeting both men and women through dating apps and moving in with them until he overstays his welcome. Then he moves on to the next person.

Investigators also say they believe Hodges remains in close contact with his family and other criminal associates while on the run. He previously worked as a long-haul trucker and has strong ties to eastern North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and New York.

Hodges has a lengthy criminal history to include robbery, assault and weapons charges. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information about Hodges’ location is urged to call the USMS Tips Hotline at 1-877-926-8332. Tips also be reported 24/7 through the USMS Tips App.

Additional photos of Hodges:

The USMS Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force began operations in January 2018. The CRFTF has partnership agreements with 78 state and local agencies, as well as three federal agencies, and operates throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. The CRFTF has apprehended more than 6,600 fugitives since its inception and is always striving to make communities safer.

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U.S. Marshals Capture California Homicide Suspect in Kansas City

Source: US Marshals Service

Kansas City, MO – United States Marshal Scott Seeling announced today the capture of fugitive Laron Gilbert in connection with the 2021 murder of a retired police officer in Oakland, CA.

Laron Marques Gilbert was charged in December 2021 with murder in Alameda County, California. Gilbert is alleged to be the getaway driver in a November 2021 incident where a retired police officer was shot and killed while working security for a TV news station crew on assignment in Oakland.  Two other suspects were also charged in the case and being held in custody while Gilbert remained a fugitive.  Investigators in Oakland requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force to locate and arrest him.
     
In early January 2024, investigators suspected Gilbert may be in Kansas City, Missouri and contacted the Marshals Service task force in the Western District of Missouri for assistance.  On January 17th, task force members from the Marshals Service, Kansas City Missouri Police Department, and Missouri State Highway Patrol spotted Gilbert in Kansas City and followed him to Blue Springs on the eastern edge of the metro.  As task force members approached Gilbert in a parking lot to arrest him, he fled on foot across Highway 40 and was taken into custody.  He was lodged at the Jackson County Detention Center where he awaits state extradition back to California.
        
The U.S. Marshals Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force-Kansas City Division, operates in conjunction with members of the Kansas City and St. Joseph Missouri Police Departments, Buchanan and Nodaway County Sheriff’s Offices, Missouri State Highway Patrol and other federal law enforcement partners. The task force objectives are to seek out and arrest fugitives charged with violent crimes, serious drug offenses, sex offenders and other violent felonies.  It also provides direct support to law enforcement agencies in tracking down and recovering missing children. Nationally the United States Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 67 local fugitive task forces, 8 regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries.

Tips can be submitted anonymously to the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers via the TIPS hotline at (816) 474-8477, on the internet at KCcrimestoppers.com, or the free mobile app available at P3Tips.com.
 
Tips can also be submitted to the U.S. Marshals service directly by downloading the USMS Tips app to your Apple or Android device. Follow the latest news and updates about the U.S. Marshals Service on Twitter:  @USMarshalsHQ.

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U.S. Marshals Operation Boo Dat Concludes with the Recovery of 3 Missing/Endangered Children and 28 Arrests

Source: US Marshals Service

New Orleans, LA –The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) New Orleans Task Force sponsored its annual Operation Boo Dat from October 22, 2023, to January 13, 2024, resulting in 28 arrests, 14 of which were for felony sex offender registration violations. Three missing/endangered teenagers were also recovered during the operation and tied to the arrests of two unrelated adult male subjects. Six fugitives were arrested during the operation on felony warrants related to open sex-based offenses.  

Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans (GNO) provided critical support during the operation to include a media release photo spread of 26 sex offender fugitives. The photo spread resulted in the arrests of six of the photo spread targets. The 20 remaining targets are still at large, and Crimestoppers GNO rewards are available for information leading to their arrest.    

Highlights of Operation Boo Dat 2024 include:

  • The arrest in December 2023 of registered sex offender Dean Kelly on a NOPD (New Orleans Police Department) warrant alleging sexual battery and attempted third-degree rape, as well as new charges related to sex offender registration violations.  Kelly’s arrest received local media attention as he was a well-known New Orleans area model featured in an early 1990s world famous rock band’s music video. Kelly has a lengthy history of legal issues with the NOPD related to sex-based offenses.    
  • The Oct. 27, 2023, arrest of Troy Riley wanted by the JPSO Special Victims Section for a felony warrant for first-degree rape and two counts of sexual battery (victim under the age of 13). A collateral lead was sent to the by the USMS Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force by the USMS New Orleans Task Force, and Riley was located and arrested in Raeford, North Carolina.  
  • The Nov. 7, 2023, arrest of Edmund Spillman Jr. by law enforcement officers from the JPSO after Spillman fought with them and resisted arrest. Spillman is a Tier 3 sex offender with sex-based convictions in Ohio.  He had been featured on the Crimestoppers GNO Operation Boo Dat photo spread, and when JPSO deputies encountered him at an address on Central Ave in Jefferson Parish he provided a fake name and then attempted to flee before having to be physically restrained and then arrested.  
  • The Nov. 21, 2023, recovery of a 7-year-old female in Baton Rouge by the USMS Middle District of Louisiana Task Force and USMS New Orleans Task Force. The girl had been listed as kidnapped out of New Orleans, and an Amber Alert was issued for the child and a domestic violence related warrant for an adult male.  The child’s mother was in a relationship with the adult kidnapper and the adult male was alleged to have had a domestic altercation and physically assaulted the mother and then took the child and was supposedly fleeing the state. The adult male was found with the child hiding in a locked bathroom when USMS responded to the Baton Rouge address where they were hiding.    
  • The Jan. 3 arrest of Burnell Emile McCann Jr. on a NOPD felony warrant for failure to register as a sex offender, as well as an active Harrison County, Mississippi, felony warrant for failure to appear in court on a pending FTR case. McCann is a Tier 2 sex offender with an original conviction involving a minor. He was featured on the Crimestoppers GNO photo spread, and USMS New Orleans Task Force located him at a residence on Wilson Avenue in New Orleans, where he surrendered after refusing to come out for a brief period. He had been actively hiding from the USMS New Orleans Task Force and had been a fugitive since February 2023.    

During the operation sex offender compliance checks were also conducted in Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Tammany parishes. These compliance checks require law enforcement officers to physically visit the sex offender’s reported address of residence to verify that the offender still lives at the provided address.  Countless hours of follow-up investigative work are often required during and after a compliance check.  

The USMS Sex Offender Investigations Branch provided the funding to pay for state and local overtime work done during the operation related to both enforcement and compliance checks.  

“Continuing the USMS’s sex offender and missing children’s mission is a vital component in the reduction of sexual crimes,” said Enix Smith III, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Thank you to Crimestoppers GNO, along with multiple federal, state and local law enforcement agencies for your proactive work.”
   
Operation Boo Dat represents an annual partnership between New Orleans Police Department, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, and the USMS New Orleans Task Force.

Any information can be provided to the U.S. Marshals Service at (504) 589-6872 or via email at usms.wanted@usdoj.gov. Crimestoppers GNO may also be contacted with tips at (504) 822-1111.

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Suspect Wanted for 2016 Manslaughter on Lake Erie Arrested by USMS in Miami

Source: US Marshals Service

Miami, FL – In the early morning hours of January 14, 2024, members of the United States Marshals Service took Alen Gorishti, 33, into custody.  Gorishti was wanted by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) in Ohio for a boating incident that resulted in the death of a local fisherman.  

On November 6, 2016, a motor vessel operated by Alen Gorishti collided with another boat that was anchored approximately 2 miles off the coast of Fairport Harbor, Ohio.  Two men were aboard the second boat at the time of the collision, the impact sent both men into the waters of Lake Erie.  The survivor was recovered on sight by USCG Station in Fairport Harbor, while the other male remained missing. The search for the missing male was suspended the following day and his body was later located and recovered on January 14, 2017.  

After extensive research by the Cuyahoga and Ashtabula County Coroner’s Office the remains recovered were positively identified as Roger R. Burton, the missing boater from the November 6 collision. The U.S. Coast Guard subsequently charged Alen Gorishti on November 3, 2021, with seaman’s manslaughter and false statements in federal court in the Northern District of Ohio.  
Members of the U.S. Marshals Service eventually located Gorishti living in Canada and found that he had recently traveled to Columbia.  During Gorishti’s return flight from Columbia he stopped in Miami, Florida and was arrested there by members of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

Gorishti will remain in southern Florida until he can be extradited back to northern Ohio to face the charges against him.   

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Outstanding cooperation between the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Marshals Service and law enforcement in Canada and Columbia resulted in the long-awaited arrest of this suspect.  Law enforcement hopes this arrest brings some justice to the victim’s family.”

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.

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U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force Apprehend Suspect Sought on Wild Card Weekend

Source: US Marshals Service

Austin, TX – Members of the U.S. Marshals-led Lone Star Fugitive Task Force Sunday afternoon arrested a man sought on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and deadly conduct stemming from an incident Jan. 9. 

Policarpio Galvan-Garcia, aka Antonio Rivera-Lopez, 43, an undocumented immigrant, was a suspect in the incident in the 10300 block of Golden Meadow Drive in Austin, where authorities were dispatched to a shots fired call for service. 

The Austin Police Department arrived on scene and observed several spent shell casings, a fired round in the front door of a residence, and a ring doorbell that had been shot. The Austin Police Aggravated Assault Unit was called to the scene to further the investigation. On Jan. 12, the Austin Police Department learned from the Round Rock Police Department that Galvan-Garcia was a suspect of orchestrating an aggravated kidnapping Jan. 8, in which two women were taken at gun point from a local business parking lot. 

Austin police obtained a warrant for Galvan-Garcia’s arrest Jan. 13 and requested assistance from the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force to locate and apprehend him. Members of the task force immediately initiated a fugitive investigation on his whereabouts. 

On Jan. 14, members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force in the Austin Division located and surrounded Galvan-Garcia and multiple occupants in a vehicle at the intersection of Rocking Chair Drive and Little Snake Way in Georgetown and arrested him without incident. 

The vehicle was occupied by three additional males, two of whom were placed under arrest pending local investigations for aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping and engaging in organized crime. The third occupant was a victim who had been kidnapped. He was safely recovered and treated on-scene for a minor injury to his forehead.  

Galvan-Garcia was transported and booked into the Travis County Jail where he was later identified as Policarpio Galvan-Garcia. 

According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Galvan-Garcia is an undocumented immigrant with a prior deportation from the U.S. in 2016.    

Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force in Austin:

  • Austin Police Department-Tactical Intelligence Unit
  • Georgetown, Round Rock, and San Marcos Police Department
  • Bastrop, 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
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U.S. Marshals Task Force Finds Wisconsin Fugitive in West Tennessee

Source: US Marshals Service

Dyersburg, TN – On January 24th, 2024, U.S. Marshals (USMS) and the Dyersburg Police Department captured a Wisconsin fugitive in West Tennessee.

Joseph Walker, 35, of Racine, was wanted for First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Felony Theft of a Firearm, and Felony Bail Jumping for an alleged crime that occurred on January 14th in Racine. The case was adopted by the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force in Milwaukee. They developed information that Walker had fled Wisconsin and was possibly in Dyersburg. The USMS Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force in Jackson was requested to assist in finding Walker.

The fugitive investigation led the task force to a residence on Wabash Circle in Dyersburg. Walker was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Dyer County Jail as he awaits extradition back to Wisconsin.

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, and the Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents. The primary mission of the Task Force is to arrest violent offenders and sexual predators.

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$5,000 Reward Offered for Philadelphia Murder Escapee

Source: US Marshals Service

Philadelphia, PA — The U.S. Marshals Service Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a murder suspect who escaped custody Jan. 24 during a transport to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Shane Pryor, 17, who was in custody for a 2020 murder, escaped from his escorting staff at 11:51 a.m. and five minutes later was observed on video in the lobby of the Hub for Clinical Collaboration building. Pryor asked an employee to use a phone and, after being denied, Pryor then exited the building. By 12:29 p.m., investigators believe Pryor had obtained transportion out of University City. A stolen Ford F-150, previously believed to be used by Pryor is no longer being sought as part of this investigation. 

A warrant for escape was issued by the Philadelphia Police Department for Pryor, and the U.S. Marshals Violent Crimes Fugitive Task and Philadelphia Homicide Unit are conducting a joint investigation.  

A reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to Pryor’s arrest is being offered by the Marshals Service. The reward will be processed immediately upon arrest and the recipient will remain anonymous.  

Pryor stands 5 feet 7 inches and weighs approximately 150 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. His last known address was in the 8200 block of Henry Avenue in Philadelphia. 

“Shane Pryor is a dangerous and desperate individual and we will use every available resource to bring him back into custody,” said Robert Clark, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal. “Anyone who is found assisting him in his flight will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” 

Tips can be called into the U.S. Marshals Philadelphia Tipline at 1-866-865-TIPS (8477) or you can submit a USMS Web Tip.

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, Chester Police Department, and Bucks County Sheriffs.

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U.S. Marshals Apprehend Wisconsin Federal Fugitive at Indiana Motel

Source: US Marshals Service

Madison, WI – The Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force (GLRFTF) of Fort Wayne, Indiana captured a Wisconsin fugitive for on warrants from the United States Marshals Service-Madison; Winnebago, Richland, and Adams counties in WI; and Kosciusko and Whitley counties in Indiana.

Anthony Fulton, 35, was arrested for charges of a federal supervised release violation, disorderly conduct, failure to register (sex offender), resisting/obstructing an officer, and intimidation (stalking).

Following his most recent release from federal custody on July 13, 2023, in Arizona, Fulton failed to report to his supervise release officer in Madison, WI.

On September 17, 2023, the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office, Garrett Police Department and Auburn Police Department attempted to arrest Fulton in Garrett, IN following a tip, but Fulton managed to escape.

Today, officers of the GLRFTF received information that Fulton was staying at the Days Inn Motel in Warsaw, IN with his girlfriend.

At approximately 2:45pm, when Fulton and his girlfriend were seen by the GLRFTF exiting the hotel and walking towards a vehicle, officers swarmed and arrested Fulton without incident.

Fulton has previous convictions of sexual battery, failure to register (sex offender), and two separate federal supervised release violations.

The U.S. Marshals Service is the federal government’s primary agency for fugitive investigations.

The USMS Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force began operations in June 2003. The GLRFTF has partnership agreements with more than 104 federal, state, and local agencies and operates in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The GLRFTF has apprehended more than 112,000 fugitives since its inception and is always striving to make communities safer.

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 submit a USMS Web Tip.