Category: US Marshals Service

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U.S. Marshals Arrest Columbus Murder Suspect in Cleveland

Source: US Marshals Service

Columbus, OH – The U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested fugitive David Allen Jr. on October 3, 2023, on an outstanding arrest warrant.

David Allen Jr. was wanted by the Columbus Division of Police for Murder. On July 28, 2023, Allen was charged by the Franklin County Municipal Court for allegedly shooting and killing Nasier Reid in the Summit Street and Tompkins Street area on July 28, 2023. The U.S. Marshals Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) adopted the fugitive the case and the investigation led them to Cleveland, Ohio. SOFAST coordinated the investigation with the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF). Early this morning, Allen was safely apprehended in the 10000 Block of Stoughton Ave, Cleveland, Ohio by NOVFTF Deputy Marshals and Task Force Officers. Allen is now in custody at the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office Jail pending his extradition back to Columbus.

“The arrest of this alleged homicide suspect is the result of teamwork and collaboration with our task force partners all over the state. The Northern and Southern District’s fugitive task forces work together almost daily to help bring the most violent fugitives to justice and help make all our communities safer.” – 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, 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 USMS Web Tip.

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U.S. Marshals, CPD SWAT, and CPD K-9 Team Up to Arrest Pennsylvania Murder Suspect in Columbus

Source: US Marshals Service

Columbus, OH – The U.S. Marshals Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST), Columbus Division of Police (CPD) SWAT, and a Columbus Division of Police Canine (K9) Unit arrested fugitive Jashon Gordon on October 2, 2023, on an outstanding arrest warrant from the State of Pennsylvania.

Jashon Gordon was wanted by the Johnstown Police Department in Pennsylvania for Criminal Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Firearms Without a License. On September 22, 2023, Gordon was charged by a Cambria County Court for allegedly using a firearm to kill Emerald Nugent Jr. and for wounding a female victim in Johnstown, PA. The U.S. Marshals led Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPAFTF) adopted the fugitive investigation and received information Gordon had fled the state. WPAFTF coordinated the investigation with the U.S. Marshals team in Columbus. With the assistance of CPD SWAT and a K-9 Unit, Gordon was quickly and safely apprehended in the 5000 Block of Mall View Court early this morning. Gordon is now in custody at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Jail pending his extradition back to PA.

“The United States Marshals Service, through its fugitive task forces, aids other law enforcement agencies when needed to bring those who try to run and hide to justice. Because of our ongoing collaboration with the Columbus Division of Police we were able to promptly remove this alleged murderer from our community so he can face his charges in Pennsylvania.” – 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, 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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U.S. Marshals Announce the Retirement of Johnny L. Hughes

Source: US Marshals Service

Baltimore, MD – On September 29, 2023, the Honorable Johnny L. Hughes donned his gold star badge for the last time as U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland.

Hughes became the 33rd Marshal for the District of Maryland on February 14, 2002, following
his appointment by President George W. Bush. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on February 8,
2002.

Prior to becoming U.S. Marshal, Hughes was Director of the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Congressional Affairs and Public Information Office under the office of National Drug Control Policy. He was also a trooper with the Maryland State Police from 1967 to 1996, retiring at the rank of major.

Hughes previously served on several boards, committees, and commissions. He was a recipient of the U.S. Attorney General’s Special Commendation Award in 1993, and recipient of the National Law Enforcement Council Achievement Award in 1992. Hughes was also the chairman of Legislative and Congressional Affairs for the National Troopers Coalition from 1982 to 1996 and served as Director of Government Relations for the National Troopers Coalition from 1996 through 2002.

Hughes has led hundreds of law enforcement initiatives that have taken thousands of violent criminals off the street. While this is a monumental achievement, Hughes put service to the community and those in need as his highest priority. He said he always sought to address social issues by building public safety partnerships and was a proud supporter of the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation’s Badges for Baseball program, Combined Federal Campaign, Feds Feed Families Food Drive, Toys for Tots toy drive, and numerous other joint problem-solving initiatives.

“Marshal Hughes has had nothing short of a legendary career,” said Mathew Silverman, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland. “When I asked for advice, Marshal Hughes simply reminded me to take the attention off myself and focus on other people. That’s exactly what I intend to do. We are going to carry on his legacy by continuing to support our partners and serve the People.”

With Hughes’ retirement Silverman assumed command of the U.S. Marshals Service in the
District of Maryland effective Oct. 1. 

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Des Moines Metro Area Law Enforcement Agencies Participate in ‘Operation Never Forget’

Source: US Marshals Service

Des Moines, IA – From Aug. 14 – Sept. 22, members of the U.S. Marshals Southern Iowa Fugitive Task Force – including the USMS, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Department of Corrections Fugitive Team, Ames Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations – joined forces with law enforcement officers from the Des Moines Police Department, Ankeny Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to conduct a six-week long fugitive operation in the Des Moines Metro and surrounding communities.

Dubbed “Operation Never Forget” (ONF) in remembrance of the victims of 9/11, the operation resulted in the arrests of 82 individuals wanted on outstanding local, state, and/or federal arrest warrants. Each of the individuals arrested during ONF had pending criminal charges for crimes involving guns, drugs, assaults, sex offenses, or other crimes of violence and/or criminal histories of convictions for such crimes. In addition, four firearms were recovered from wanted persons suspected of being prohibited from possessing firearms under state and federal laws.

“This is another example of local, state and federal partners working collectively to actively pursue the most violent criminals in our community. In recent years, this continuous pursuit has resulted in numerous significant arrests and successful prosecutions, the impact of which cannot be overstated,” said Des Moines Police Department Chief Dana Wingert. “The feeling of safety in your neighborhood is a basic necessity that we are committed to protecting. As partners, we remain vigilant in this effort.”

“Operation Never Forget” was divided into three phases – investigation, enforcement, and follow-up. The investigation phase commenced on Aug. 14 and concluded Sept. 8. During this period, participating agencies selected several arrest warrants to work during the enforcement phase of the operation. During this period, ONF investigators also developed credible information as to the whereabouts of dozens of fugitives. During this first four weeks of the operation, approximately 40 wanted persons were located and arrested ahead of the targeted enforcement week.

From Sept. 11–15, three teams of eight law enforcement officers representing nine local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies participated in the week-long enforcement phase of ONF. With its command center located in the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, ONF arrest teams worked 10-hour shifts to locate and apprehend an additional 40 individuals wanted on outstanding arrest warrants. Most of these individuals were arrested in the Des Moines Metro area. However, some individuals were located as far away as Waterloo and Lacona, and one individual was apprehended in Olathe, Kansas.

“The success of this operation is just an example of the outstanding law enforcement professionals we have in central Iowa,” said Polk County Sheriff Kevin Schneider. “The Polk County Sheriff’s Office understands the importance of teamwork and what law enforcement can accomplish when local, state, and federal agencies work together. We are fortunate to have the ability to host an operation like this at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters and will continue to do so in the future.”

Even after the targeted enforcement week was over, “Operation Never Forget” investigators continued to follow up on information developed during the investigation and enforcement phases of the operation. During the follow-up phase, Sept. 18–22, ONF investigators located and arrested two more individuals wanted on outstanding arrest warrants.

“Whether it’s with a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency, the people we have dedicated our careers to serving are the same,” said United States Marshal Ted Kamatchus. “Each of us remains committed to upholding our oaths of office and to the diligent pursuit of combating violent crime in our communities. The success of Operation Never Forget is a testament to this combined commitment and to the spirit of cooperation amongst all law enforcement professionals in the Southern District of Iowa.”

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Connecticut Fugitive Captured in Puerto Rico

Source: US Marshals Service

New Haven, CT – The U.S. Marshals today located and arrested in Puerto Rico a man wanted by the East Hartford Police Department since 2017 on multiple sex assault and other charges.

Jose Sanchez, 44, was wanted for three counts of sexual assault 4th degree and three counts of risk of injury to a minor.  

Investigating the sexual assault of a minor May 5, 2017, the East Hartford Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Sanchez. After exhausting all efforts to locate Sanchez, the East Hartford Police requested assistance from the Connecticut U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force (CVFTF) to locate and apprehend him.

CVFTF investigators today developed information that Sanchez was possibly hiding out with family in Hato Ray, Puerto Rico, and sent a collateral lead to the USMS Puerto Rico Violent Offender Task Force, who then apprehended Sanchez.

Sanchez remains in custody in Puerto Rico pending extradition to Connecticut to face the charges against him.  

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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Maryland Fugitive Captured in Connecticut

Source: US Marshals Service

New Haven, CT – The U.S. Marshals in Connecticut, along with Middleton and New Haven police, arrested today a man wanted out of Silver Spring, Maryland, for assault and other charges.

Oliver Agyopong, 21, was wanted on charges of armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, assault first-degree, assault second-degree, use of a firearm in a violent crime, and theft.

Since March, Montgomery County detectives have been investigating several armed robberies in the Silver Spring area of Maryland. Agyapong and two co-defendants were identified as suspects in some of the robberies, and a warrant was issued for their arrest. Oliver was the last suspect arrested in the trio.

This morning members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force, Middleton Police Department, and the New Haven Police Department arrested Oliver at a residence on Ferry Street in Middletown. Agyopong was transported to the Middletown Police Department where he will be held pending extradition to Maryland.  

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 Offering Up To $10,000 Reward for Info Leading to Capture of Suspect Wanted for Homicide Near Wynnewood

Source: US Marshals Service

Oklahoma City, OK  – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the capture of a man wanted by the Garvin County Sheriff’s Office for felony murder and assault and battery with a deadly weapon.

On Wednesday morning, officials responded to a shooting scene along Interstate 35 at mile marker 60 at approximately 9:00 am.  

Kameron Louis Jenkins aka K3 and All Profit, 25, is alleged to have shot a Cleveland County Deputy after the conclusion of a vehicle pursuit.  

Gwaun Frierson was in the passenger seat of a dump truck at the time of the shooting traveling north on I-35 when he was struck by a bullet and killed.

Cleveland County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Steadman was also shot. He was taken to OU Medical Center and is expected to make a full recovery.

Jenkins is Black, stands 6 feet 4 inches, and weighs approximately 170 pounds.  He has black hair and brown eyes and a tattoo on his left arm. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information regarding his current location is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals via Crimestoppers at (405) 235-7300. Your information will be taken in strict confidence. Your anonymity is guaranteed.  

The USMS Oklahoma City Metro Fugitive Task Force combines the efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest the area’s dangerous fugitives.  It is dedicated to reducing violent crime by locating and apprehending wanted criminals. 

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U.S. Marshals to Auction Off Car Collection of YouTube Personality

Source: US Marshals Service

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Marshals Service will hold an auction for the multimillion dollar car collection of the imprisoned YouTube star Bill Omar Carrasquillo on October 13th in Baltimore, MD.

The live auction will include over 55 cars, motorcycles, ATV, and other vehicles seized from Carrasquillo, also known as “Omi In A Hellcat”. The collection includes exotic cars like Lamborghinis and Bentleys, Jeeps and other SUVs. The auction will be held at the historic B&O Railroad Museum on October 13th, with a preview day on Thursday, October 12th starting at 11 am EST. Also available in a separate online sale is a collection of jewelry seized from Carrasquillo along with other items from other cases.

Earlier this year, Carrasquillo was sentenced to 5 ½ years in prison for crimes arising from a wide-ranging criminal scheme that involved piracy of cable TV, access device fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and hundreds of thousands of dollars of copyright infringement. In addition to his prison sentence, Carrasquillo is subject to a $30 million forfeiture money judgment and must pay $15 million in restitution.

The event is open to the public. To place a bid on any item, registration is required. Registration information for the auto event is located at www.appleauctioneeringco.com; and jewelry sale registration is located at https://www.txauction.com/USM.

The Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program is a key component of the federal government’s law enforcement efforts to combat major criminal activity by disrupting and dismantling illegal enterprises, depriving criminals of the proceeds of illegal activity, deterring crime and restoring property to victims. The U.S. Marshals Service plays a critical role in identifying and evaluating assets that represent the proceeds of crime as well as efficiently managing and selling assets seized and forfeited by DOJ.

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U.S. Marshals Seek Public’s Help Finding Fugitive Wanted on Attempted Murder, Kidnaping Charges

Source: US Marshals Service

Clarksburg, WV – The U.S. Marshals Service is asking for the public’s help in locating a fugitive wanted on attempted murder and kidnapping charges, and is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Jamie Ray Jones, 30, who was last seen July 5 in Morgantown, is a suspect in a planned, targeted shooting April 27 on Maple Avenue in Fairmont in which another man sustained a gunshot wound.

Jones has a history involving weapons, violent tendencies and fleeing. He is also the suspected driver of a car that crashed into several cars July 5 near University Town Center in Morgantown.

Jones is a Black man, stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 185 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

“Mr. Jones has demonstrated that he is a clear danger to the 

community, and we need to find him as soon as possible before anyone else gets hurt,” said Terry Moore, acting U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of West Virginia.  “Our hope is that the offer of a $5,000 reward will be an incentive for someone who knows something to come forward and help us get Mr. Jones into custody.”

Anyone with information regarding Jones’s whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 304-623-0486 or 1-888-869-4589 (24-hour tip line).  Information may also be submitted via the the U.S. Marshals Tips App.

Additional photos of Jones:

The USMS Northern District of West Virginia Mountain State Fugitive Task Force combines the efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest the most dangerous fugitives.  It is dedicated to reducing violent crime by locating and apprehending wanted criminals. It also serves as the central point for agencies to share information on fugitive matters. Task force officers are state and local police officers who receive special deputations with the U.S. Marshals. While on a task force, these officers can exercise U.S. Marshals authorities, such as crossing jurisdictional lines.

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One of Puerto Rico’s 10 Most Wanted Arrested in Florida

Source: US Marshals Service

San Juan, PR – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) arrested one of Puerto Rico’s 10 most wanted in Coral Springs, Florida, Oct. 5. 

Teddy León-Ayala was the leader of the gang “Los Extranjeros,” which was part of the United Traffickers Organization (La ONU). He has allegedly been involved in several murders, including that of Puerto Rico Police Officer Blanca de los Santos-Barbosa on July 7, 2010. This crime happened on the Manuel Rivera Morales Express (PR-81), better known as the Trujillo Express, where Santos-Barbosa, while returning home after completing her work shift, was caught in the middle of a shootout between “La ONU” and “La Rompe ONU,” a rival organization devoted to the drug trade in Puerto Rico. 

In this same incident, librarian Manuel Medina, 32, another innocent victim who was traveling on the express in the direction of Trujillo Alto, died.

“The arrest of León-Ayala  is the result of an extensive and rigorous joint investigation with the District of Puerto Rico,” said Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra, U.S. Marshal of the District of Puerto Rico. “Over the past few years, our staff has remained behind Leon-Ayala in conjunction with the Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force of the Middle District of Florida. Leon-Ayala was placed under arrest without offering resistance, without any incident to regret and where the safety of our personnel was not compromised,” Ocasio-Ibarra said.

“León Ayala, a fugitive since 2012, is a danger to society, not only because he is involved in these vicious deaths, but because of his level of violence to maintain control of drug distribution in Puerto Rico. As a member of several criminal gangs, León-Ayala is identified as part of the ‘Los Rompecaras’ group, so named because they murdered rival criminals, leaving their faces disfigured. Those were the kinds of acts he was involved in. We hope that this arrest will bring some peace to the families of the innocent victims who died in that reprehensible incident, especially to the family of Agent Santos Barbosa and our colleagues from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. Our commitment to the safety of communities is the primary motivation of our staff. We will never stop in the search for this type of violent offender, they believe they have the resources to evade us, however, we have the motivation and duty to enforce the Law.  As we have always pointed out, it is a matter of time, before our United States Marshals Deputies find you, and knock on your door”, Ocasio-Ibarra said.

Leon-Ayala is already in custody and will begin facing the corresponding judicial processes.

The Marshals encourage the community to continue to work with our agents by providing confidences to help find a fugitive, by contacting our field office at (787) 766-6001, by calling the U.S. Marshals Service Communication Center at 1 (800) 336-0102, or by submitting their confidence using the U.S. Marshals Service Tip application.