FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Friday, November 22, 2013
Alabama Sheriff’s Investigator Indicted for Unlawfully Detaining and Assaulting Handcuffed Man at County Jail
The Department of Justice announced today that a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Alabama has returned an indictment against J. Keith McCray, a criminal investigator with the Macon County, Ala., Sheriff’s Office for violating the rights of a man he unlawfully seized and assaulted.
McCray, 41, is charged with two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of witness tampering. On July 4, 2013, the victim was going door-to-door in McCray’s neighborhood attempting to sell alarm systems. According to the indictment, McCray unlawfully seized the victim using a firearm, and then brought the victim to the county jail. The indictment alleges that at the jail, McCray struck the victim while he was handcuffed, which resulted in bodily injury. The indictment further alleges that McCray engaged in witness tampering when he intimidated the victim and corruptly persuaded him not to file a complaint for the assault.
If convicted, McCray could face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each deprivation-of-rights count. He could face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the witness tampering charge.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerusha T. Adams of the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Chiraag Bains of the department’s Civil Rights Division.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
3 ABT GANG MEMBERS PLEAD GUILTY TO RACKETEERING
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Three Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Gang Members Plead Guilty to Federal Racketeering Charges
Three members of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) gang have pleaded guilty to racketeering charges related to their membership in the ABT’s criminal enterprise, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas.
Sammy Keith Shipman, aka “Stubby,” 31, of Houston, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Judge Sim Lake in the Southern District of Texas to one count of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity.
William David Maynard, aka “Baby Huey,” 43, of Houston, pleaded guilty Nov. 20, 2013, and Dustin Lee Harris, aka “Lightning,” 29, of Dallas, pleaded guilty Nov. 19, 2013. Each defendant pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity.
According to court documents, Shipman, Maynard, Harris and other ABT gang members and associates agreed to commit multiple acts of murder, robbery, arson, kidnapping and narcotics trafficking on behalf of the ABT gang. The defendants and numerous other ABT gang members met on a regular basis at various locations throughout Texas to report on gang-related business, collect dues, commit disciplinary assaults against fellow gang members and discuss acts of violence against rival gang members, among other things.
By pleading guilty to racketeering charges, Shipman, Maynard and Harris admitted to being members of the ABT criminal enterprise and to committing multiple acts of violence and/or narcotics trafficking on behalf of the ABT.
According to the superseding indictment, the ABT was established in the early 1980s within the Texas prison system. The gang modeled itself after and adopted many of the precepts and writings of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that was formed in the California prison system during the 1960s. According to the superseding indictment, the ABT was primarily concerned with the protection of white inmates and white supremacy/separatism. Over time, the ABT expanded its criminal enterprise to include illegal activities for profit.
Court documents allege that the ABT enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, arson, assault, robbery and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the enterprise. Members, and oftentimes associates, are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as “direct orders.”
According to the superseding indictment, in order to be considered for ABT membership, a person must be sponsored by another gang member. Once sponsored, a prospective member must serve an unspecified term, during which he is referred to as a prospect, while his conduct is observed by the members of the ABT.
At sentencing, scheduled for Feb. 20, 2014, Shipman, Maynard and Harris each face a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Shipman, Maynard and Harris are three of 36 defendants charged with, among other things, conducting racketeering activity through the ABT criminal enterprise. To date, 17 defendants have pleaded guilty.
This case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Rangers; Texas Department of Public Safety; Montgomery County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Office of Inspector General; Harris County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Atascosa County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Orange County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Waller County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Alvin, Texas, Police Department; Carrollton, Texas, Police Department; Mesquite, Texas, Police Department; Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office; and the Atascosa County District Attorney’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Three Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Gang Members Plead Guilty to Federal Racketeering Charges
Three members of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) gang have pleaded guilty to racketeering charges related to their membership in the ABT’s criminal enterprise, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas.
Sammy Keith Shipman, aka “Stubby,” 31, of Houston, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Judge Sim Lake in the Southern District of Texas to one count of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity.
William David Maynard, aka “Baby Huey,” 43, of Houston, pleaded guilty Nov. 20, 2013, and Dustin Lee Harris, aka “Lightning,” 29, of Dallas, pleaded guilty Nov. 19, 2013. Each defendant pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity.
According to court documents, Shipman, Maynard, Harris and other ABT gang members and associates agreed to commit multiple acts of murder, robbery, arson, kidnapping and narcotics trafficking on behalf of the ABT gang. The defendants and numerous other ABT gang members met on a regular basis at various locations throughout Texas to report on gang-related business, collect dues, commit disciplinary assaults against fellow gang members and discuss acts of violence against rival gang members, among other things.
By pleading guilty to racketeering charges, Shipman, Maynard and Harris admitted to being members of the ABT criminal enterprise and to committing multiple acts of violence and/or narcotics trafficking on behalf of the ABT.
According to the superseding indictment, the ABT was established in the early 1980s within the Texas prison system. The gang modeled itself after and adopted many of the precepts and writings of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that was formed in the California prison system during the 1960s. According to the superseding indictment, the ABT was primarily concerned with the protection of white inmates and white supremacy/separatism. Over time, the ABT expanded its criminal enterprise to include illegal activities for profit.
Court documents allege that the ABT enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, arson, assault, robbery and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the enterprise. Members, and oftentimes associates, are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as “direct orders.”
According to the superseding indictment, in order to be considered for ABT membership, a person must be sponsored by another gang member. Once sponsored, a prospective member must serve an unspecified term, during which he is referred to as a prospect, while his conduct is observed by the members of the ABT.
At sentencing, scheduled for Feb. 20, 2014, Shipman, Maynard and Harris each face a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Shipman, Maynard and Harris are three of 36 defendants charged with, among other things, conducting racketeering activity through the ABT criminal enterprise. To date, 17 defendants have pleaded guilty.
This case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Rangers; Texas Department of Public Safety; Montgomery County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Office of Inspector General; Harris County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Atascosa County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Orange County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Waller County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Alvin, Texas, Police Department; Carrollton, Texas, Police Department; Mesquite, Texas, Police Department; Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office; and the Atascosa County District Attorney’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
WOMAN FUGITIVE ON THE RUN FOR 11 YEAR IS CAUGHT BY U.S. MARSHALS
FROM: U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE
November 19, 2013 Stewart Cottingham, Supervisory Inspector
Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force
Tommy Long, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal
Southern District of Georgia - Savannah Division (912) 652-4200
One of New York’s Most Wanted Fugitives Captured in Georgia after 11 Years on the Run
SERFTF LogoWillacoochee, GA - A New York woman on the run for eleven years was apprehended 11/18/2013 by the U. S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) at a residence in the small town of Willacoochee, Georgia. Frances Parks was listed as one of New York State Parole’s Most Wanted fugitives for violating the conditions of her parole. Parks was on parole for her New York convictions on murder, rape, and robbery charges. In 1975, Parks and four others forced their way into an apartment in New York looking for money. A male and a female victim were robbed during the crime. During the robbery, the three male perpetrators assaulted and raped the female victim. Parks and the other four subjects assaulted, stabbed, strangled, and murdered the male victim.
After being paroled in New York, Parks left the New York area and was violated by New York Parole in 2002. For eleven years, Parks managed to evade authorities on this charge. After receiving information from the U. S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force (NYNJRFTF), the U. S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) commenced an investigation to locate Parks in Willacoochee, Georgia. Information was received from New York detailing that Parks had surfaced in Georgia under an alias.
On 11/18/2013, SERFTF established surveillance on an address in Willacoochee, Georgia. During the operation, a person matching Parks’ description was observed at the residence and taken into custody. Initially, Parks denied her true identity and attempted to retreat into her home. Task force personnel pursued her into the home and took her into custody. Parks was transported to the Atkinson County Jail to await extradition to New York. Parks has an extensive criminal history to include arrests for murder, rape, robbery, firearm, burglary, and theft. She is also a registered sex offender in the state of New York.
Established in 1789, the United States Marshals Service is the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency. The U.S. Marshals Service is the federal government’s primary agency for fugitive investigations. In fiscal year 2012, the Marshals apprehended 36,302 federal fugitives, clearing approximately 39,423 felony warrants. Marshals-led fugitive task forces arrested 86,704 state and local fugitives in FY 2012, clearing approximately 114,311 state and local felony warrants.
The U. S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) was created by the Presidential Threat Protection Act of 2000. Congress recognized the U. S. Marshals expertise in tracking and apprehending dangerous fugitives and ordered the creation of regional fugitive task forces (RFTFs) in core cities throughout the country. Via this mandate, SERFTF was created in 2003 and has offices in Atlanta, Macon, and Savannah to assist state, county, and local agencies as a central investigative base to identify, locate and apprehend dangerous offenders.
Locally, the Savannah Division of SERFTF is composed of U. S. Marshals and state and local law enforcement officers from the Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Parole, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, the Savannah Chatham Metro Police Department, the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office, and the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office.
November 19, 2013 Stewart Cottingham, Supervisory Inspector
Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force
Tommy Long, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal
Southern District of Georgia - Savannah Division (912) 652-4200
One of New York’s Most Wanted Fugitives Captured in Georgia after 11 Years on the Run
SERFTF LogoWillacoochee, GA - A New York woman on the run for eleven years was apprehended 11/18/2013 by the U. S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) at a residence in the small town of Willacoochee, Georgia. Frances Parks was listed as one of New York State Parole’s Most Wanted fugitives for violating the conditions of her parole. Parks was on parole for her New York convictions on murder, rape, and robbery charges. In 1975, Parks and four others forced their way into an apartment in New York looking for money. A male and a female victim were robbed during the crime. During the robbery, the three male perpetrators assaulted and raped the female victim. Parks and the other four subjects assaulted, stabbed, strangled, and murdered the male victim.
After being paroled in New York, Parks left the New York area and was violated by New York Parole in 2002. For eleven years, Parks managed to evade authorities on this charge. After receiving information from the U. S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force (NYNJRFTF), the U. S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) commenced an investigation to locate Parks in Willacoochee, Georgia. Information was received from New York detailing that Parks had surfaced in Georgia under an alias.
On 11/18/2013, SERFTF established surveillance on an address in Willacoochee, Georgia. During the operation, a person matching Parks’ description was observed at the residence and taken into custody. Initially, Parks denied her true identity and attempted to retreat into her home. Task force personnel pursued her into the home and took her into custody. Parks was transported to the Atkinson County Jail to await extradition to New York. Parks has an extensive criminal history to include arrests for murder, rape, robbery, firearm, burglary, and theft. She is also a registered sex offender in the state of New York.
Established in 1789, the United States Marshals Service is the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency. The U.S. Marshals Service is the federal government’s primary agency for fugitive investigations. In fiscal year 2012, the Marshals apprehended 36,302 federal fugitives, clearing approximately 39,423 felony warrants. Marshals-led fugitive task forces arrested 86,704 state and local fugitives in FY 2012, clearing approximately 114,311 state and local felony warrants.
The U. S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) was created by the Presidential Threat Protection Act of 2000. Congress recognized the U. S. Marshals expertise in tracking and apprehending dangerous fugitives and ordered the creation of regional fugitive task forces (RFTFs) in core cities throughout the country. Via this mandate, SERFTF was created in 2003 and has offices in Atlanta, Macon, and Savannah to assist state, county, and local agencies as a central investigative base to identify, locate and apprehend dangerous offenders.
Locally, the Savannah Division of SERFTF is composed of U. S. Marshals and state and local law enforcement officers from the Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Parole, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, the Savannah Chatham Metro Police Department, the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office, and the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office.
Friday, November 22, 2013
FORMER POLICE OFFICERS SENTENCED FOR SOLICITING BRIBE FROM DEFENDANT
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Monday, November 18, 2013
Former Puerto Rico Police Officers Sentenced for Roles in Scheme to Extort a State Defendant for $50,000 former police officers with the Police of Puerto Rico were sentenced to serve 63 and 60 months in prison for attempting to extort a defendant and soliciting bribe payments of $50,000.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodriguez of the District of Puerto Rico made the announcement.
Abimael Arroyo-Cruz, 30, of Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, was convicted by a jury on May 29, 2013, of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, bribery, conspiracy to commit extortion and attempted extortion. Josue Becerril-Ramos, 36, of Carolina, Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty to all four counts on May 17, 2013, midway through his trial. Arroyo was sentenced to serve 63 months in prison, and Becerril was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison.
Arroyo and Becerril arrested eight individuals for possessing unregistered firearms and marijuana on Aug. 2, 2012. The officers then solicited from one defendant a bribe payment of $50,000 to have his case dismissed. Beginning on Sep. 11, 2012, both officers spoke with the defendant multiple times over the telephone, discussing payment details and strategies for dismissing the defendant’s case.
Arroyo and Becerril collected approximately $35,000 of the $50,000 demanded from the defendant in two different payment installments. Unbeknownst to the officers, however, the individuals who dropped off the payments were cooperating with federal law enforcement.
In exchange for the bribes, Arroyo and Becerril devised a plan whereby the officers would misidentify a co-defendant in court, leading to the dismissal of the defendant’s case. When asked under oath at the preliminary hearing to identify the defendant, Arroyo instead identified a co-defendant. Arroyo confirmed to the defendant following the hearing that he deliberately misidentified the co-defendant as part of the plan to have the defendant’s case dismissed.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s San Juan field office. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Menaka Kalaskar and Marquest J. Meeks of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Henwood of the District of Puerto Rico.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Former Puerto Rico Police Officers Sentenced for Roles in Scheme to Extort a State Defendant for $50,000 former police officers with the Police of Puerto Rico were sentenced to serve 63 and 60 months in prison for attempting to extort a defendant and soliciting bribe payments of $50,000.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodriguez of the District of Puerto Rico made the announcement.
Abimael Arroyo-Cruz, 30, of Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, was convicted by a jury on May 29, 2013, of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, bribery, conspiracy to commit extortion and attempted extortion. Josue Becerril-Ramos, 36, of Carolina, Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty to all four counts on May 17, 2013, midway through his trial. Arroyo was sentenced to serve 63 months in prison, and Becerril was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison.
Arroyo and Becerril arrested eight individuals for possessing unregistered firearms and marijuana on Aug. 2, 2012. The officers then solicited from one defendant a bribe payment of $50,000 to have his case dismissed. Beginning on Sep. 11, 2012, both officers spoke with the defendant multiple times over the telephone, discussing payment details and strategies for dismissing the defendant’s case.
Arroyo and Becerril collected approximately $35,000 of the $50,000 demanded from the defendant in two different payment installments. Unbeknownst to the officers, however, the individuals who dropped off the payments were cooperating with federal law enforcement.
In exchange for the bribes, Arroyo and Becerril devised a plan whereby the officers would misidentify a co-defendant in court, leading to the dismissal of the defendant’s case. When asked under oath at the preliminary hearing to identify the defendant, Arroyo instead identified a co-defendant. Arroyo confirmed to the defendant following the hearing that he deliberately misidentified the co-defendant as part of the plan to have the defendant’s case dismissed.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s San Juan field office. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Menaka Kalaskar and Marquest J. Meeks of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Henwood of the District of Puerto Rico.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
ALABAMA MAN USED COMPUTER, THREE CELL PHONES IN IDENTITY THEFT AND TAX REFUND FRAUD SCHEME
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Alabama Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Identity Theft and Tax Refund Scheme
Kevin Jackson of Montgomery, Ala., was sentenced to serve 102 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release, along with an order to pay $150,840.49 in restitution, for his role in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama George L. Beck Jr. Jackson had previously pled guilty to access device fraud and to aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, Jackson possessed a storage locker in which law enforcement authorities found a computer, three cellular telephones, at least 500 names and Social Security numbers of identity theft victims and at least 70 prepaid debit cards, all tied to a scheme to obtain fraudulent federal tax refunds by causing federal tax returns to be filed in the names of stolen identities.
The case was investigated by special agents of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service, along with assistance from the Montgomery Police Department. Trial Attorneys Justin Gelfand and Jason Poole of the department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Alabama Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Identity Theft and Tax Refund Scheme
Kevin Jackson of Montgomery, Ala., was sentenced to serve 102 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release, along with an order to pay $150,840.49 in restitution, for his role in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama George L. Beck Jr. Jackson had previously pled guilty to access device fraud and to aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, Jackson possessed a storage locker in which law enforcement authorities found a computer, three cellular telephones, at least 500 names and Social Security numbers of identity theft victims and at least 70 prepaid debit cards, all tied to a scheme to obtain fraudulent federal tax refunds by causing federal tax returns to be filed in the names of stolen identities.
The case was investigated by special agents of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service, along with assistance from the Montgomery Police Department. Trial Attorneys Justin Gelfand and Jason Poole of the department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
MARSHALS TASK FORCE CAPTURES KIDNAPPER OF 13 YEAR OLD GIRL
FROM: U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE
U.S. Marshals Task Force Nabs Fugitive Wanted in Kidnapping of 13 Year-Old Girl from Arkansas
Milton, FL – The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force captured a wanted man who is being sought by law enforcement Arkansas for kidnapping a teenage girl who is believed to be his niece. Late Tuesday evening the U.S. Marshals in El Dorado, Arkansas contacted the Marshals Task Force in Pensacola requesting their help in locating fugitive Phillip Thomas Nussey who was believed to have abducted his niece and thought to be heading toward Milton where he has ties. The Marshals in Arkansas advised the Pensacola Marshals to be on the lookout for a 1998 White Ford Crown Victoria, the car reportedly that had been used to abduct the young girl. The Task for was provided with some information on some addresses but were unable to find the car in this area. Task Force Officers then eventually figured out Nussey had a former girlfriend living in Milton; but were still unable to locate Nussey.
Early this evening, a Task Force Officer from Escambia County Sheriff’s Office checked the home of the ex-girlfriend on the 6500 Block of Dogwood Drive and found the Crown Victoria parked outside. Around 11:00 pm, Marshals and Task Force Officers from Santa Rosa, Escambia and Walton County along with a K9 unit from Santa Rosa County converged on the home but no one inside would open the door.
Officers then broke the door open and found Nussey hiding in the bathroom. The 38 year-old Nussey was then arrested without any further problems. The missing girl, along with his ex-girlfriend was found inside unharmed. Nussey faces charges in Arkansas for the abduction, and is allegedly a suspect in sexual molestation cases in both Arkansas and Virginia. Thomas may also face charges in Santa Rosa County for kidnapping, obstruction of justice and resisting arrest. He will remain in the Santa Rosa County Jail until he is extradited back to Arkansas. The car was impounded and may be treated as a crime scene.
Last year, U.S. Marshals led task forces arrested more than 123,000 fugitives of which over 86,000 of them were state and local fugitives, nearly 4,000 were homicide suspects and more than 5,000 of them were violent gang members. As well, among that number of arrests more than 12,000 of them were sex offenders.
U.S. Marshals Task Force Nabs Fugitive Wanted in Kidnapping of 13 Year-Old Girl from Arkansas
Milton, FL – The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force captured a wanted man who is being sought by law enforcement Arkansas for kidnapping a teenage girl who is believed to be his niece. Late Tuesday evening the U.S. Marshals in El Dorado, Arkansas contacted the Marshals Task Force in Pensacola requesting their help in locating fugitive Phillip Thomas Nussey who was believed to have abducted his niece and thought to be heading toward Milton where he has ties. The Marshals in Arkansas advised the Pensacola Marshals to be on the lookout for a 1998 White Ford Crown Victoria, the car reportedly that had been used to abduct the young girl. The Task for was provided with some information on some addresses but were unable to find the car in this area. Task Force Officers then eventually figured out Nussey had a former girlfriend living in Milton; but were still unable to locate Nussey.
Early this evening, a Task Force Officer from Escambia County Sheriff’s Office checked the home of the ex-girlfriend on the 6500 Block of Dogwood Drive and found the Crown Victoria parked outside. Around 11:00 pm, Marshals and Task Force Officers from Santa Rosa, Escambia and Walton County along with a K9 unit from Santa Rosa County converged on the home but no one inside would open the door.
Officers then broke the door open and found Nussey hiding in the bathroom. The 38 year-old Nussey was then arrested without any further problems. The missing girl, along with his ex-girlfriend was found inside unharmed. Nussey faces charges in Arkansas for the abduction, and is allegedly a suspect in sexual molestation cases in both Arkansas and Virginia. Thomas may also face charges in Santa Rosa County for kidnapping, obstruction of justice and resisting arrest. He will remain in the Santa Rosa County Jail until he is extradited back to Arkansas. The car was impounded and may be treated as a crime scene.
Last year, U.S. Marshals led task forces arrested more than 123,000 fugitives of which over 86,000 of them were state and local fugitives, nearly 4,000 were homicide suspects and more than 5,000 of them were violent gang members. As well, among that number of arrests more than 12,000 of them were sex offenders.
Friday, November 15, 2013
DOD EMPLOYEE PLEADS GUILTY TO SUBMITTING A FALSE CLAIM FOR HOUSING
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Department of Defense Employee Pleads Guilty to Submitting False Claim for Housing Allowance
A Department of Defense (DOD) employee has pleaded guilty to filing a false claim with the DOD while stationed in the Republic of Korea (ROK) to fraudulently obtain $64,000 in housing allowance, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden of the District of Nevada.
Patrick Y. Kim, 56, of Reno, Nev., pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Howard D. McKibben in the District of Nevada in Reno to one count of making a false claim. Kim faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when he is sentenced on Feb. 12, 2014. As part of his plea agreement, Kim has agreed to pay full restitution to the DOD in the amount of $64,000.
The former chief of the Furniture Branch at the United States Army Garrison in Daegu, ROK, Kim admitted that he submitted a fraudulent lease to the housing office to obtain a living quarters allowance (LQA) that he was not entitled to receive. Kim began working at Daegu Garrison in or about October 2002, and, as a DOD civilian employee working in the ROK, he was entitled to receive certain housing allowances, including LQA under certain circumstances. To receive LQA, Kim was required to submit a copy of a housing lease in support of his application and acknowledge that the LQA payments were exclusively for the payment of rent and not for the payment of refundable security deposits or “key money” leases. Key money leases – sums of money paid to a lessor in lieu of rent, which are returned to the lessee at the end of the lease – are common in the ROK; however, they are prohibited by State Department regulations.
Kim admitted that in September 2008, he was looking for a new apartment as the lease for his current apartment was about to expire. He and his wife located a residence at an apartment complex; however, the owners of the apartments did not offer traditional rental leases – only key money leases and purchases. On or about Sept. 8, 2008, Kim’s wife entered into a key money lease for one of the apartments. Kim admitted that he knew that State Department regulations prohibited him from receiving LQA to pay for the key money lease signed by his wife. On or about Sept. 9, 2008, Kim created a fake rental lease for the subject property and submitted it to the housing office at Daegu Garrison in support of his request for LQA. The fake lease for the apartment purported to be a two-year lease with a total cost of $64,000. Kim admitted receiving $64,000 in LQA, which is non-taxable, and also admitted that he used the money to pay for a portion of the key money lease entered into by his wife.
Kim also admitted that he created a fake receipt for the purported $64,000 rental payment and submitted it to the housing office at Daegu Garrison to justify his receipt of the LQA. He received the $64,000 back at the end of the key money lease in 2010, and he used it for the purchase of a new residence in the ROK.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Richard B. Evans of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sue P. Fahami of the District of Nevada.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Department of Defense Employee Pleads Guilty to Submitting False Claim for Housing Allowance
A Department of Defense (DOD) employee has pleaded guilty to filing a false claim with the DOD while stationed in the Republic of Korea (ROK) to fraudulently obtain $64,000 in housing allowance, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden of the District of Nevada.
Patrick Y. Kim, 56, of Reno, Nev., pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Howard D. McKibben in the District of Nevada in Reno to one count of making a false claim. Kim faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when he is sentenced on Feb. 12, 2014. As part of his plea agreement, Kim has agreed to pay full restitution to the DOD in the amount of $64,000.
The former chief of the Furniture Branch at the United States Army Garrison in Daegu, ROK, Kim admitted that he submitted a fraudulent lease to the housing office to obtain a living quarters allowance (LQA) that he was not entitled to receive. Kim began working at Daegu Garrison in or about October 2002, and, as a DOD civilian employee working in the ROK, he was entitled to receive certain housing allowances, including LQA under certain circumstances. To receive LQA, Kim was required to submit a copy of a housing lease in support of his application and acknowledge that the LQA payments were exclusively for the payment of rent and not for the payment of refundable security deposits or “key money” leases. Key money leases – sums of money paid to a lessor in lieu of rent, which are returned to the lessee at the end of the lease – are common in the ROK; however, they are prohibited by State Department regulations.
Kim admitted that in September 2008, he was looking for a new apartment as the lease for his current apartment was about to expire. He and his wife located a residence at an apartment complex; however, the owners of the apartments did not offer traditional rental leases – only key money leases and purchases. On or about Sept. 8, 2008, Kim’s wife entered into a key money lease for one of the apartments. Kim admitted that he knew that State Department regulations prohibited him from receiving LQA to pay for the key money lease signed by his wife. On or about Sept. 9, 2008, Kim created a fake rental lease for the subject property and submitted it to the housing office at Daegu Garrison in support of his request for LQA. The fake lease for the apartment purported to be a two-year lease with a total cost of $64,000. Kim admitted receiving $64,000 in LQA, which is non-taxable, and also admitted that he used the money to pay for a portion of the key money lease entered into by his wife.
Kim also admitted that he created a fake receipt for the purported $64,000 rental payment and submitted it to the housing office at Daegu Garrison to justify his receipt of the LQA. He received the $64,000 back at the end of the key money lease in 2010, and he used it for the purchase of a new residence in the ROK.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Richard B. Evans of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sue P. Fahami of the District of Nevada.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Sunday, November 10, 2013
FORMER DETECTIVE INDICTED FOR USING EXCESSIVE FORCE AGAINST ARRESTEE
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Friday, November 8, 2013
Former Belen, N.M., Police Department Detective Indicted for Using Excessive Force Against Arrestee
A federal grand jury in Albuquerque, N.M., has returned a one-count indictment charging former Belen Police Department Detective John Lytle with unlawfully assaulting a victim, identified in the indictment as R.A., during an investigative stop and arrest on March 15, 2012.
Lytle is charged with violating R.A.’s right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure by a law enforcement officer, which includes freedom from the use of excessive force. The indictment alleges that Lytle unlawfully assaulted R.A. by striking R.A. while R.A. was in handcuffs. The indictment also alleges that Lytle’s actions resulted in bodily injury to R.A.
Lytle faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the civil rights violation.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Albuquerque Division of the Federal Bureau Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico Mark T. Baker and Trial Attorney Julia Gegenheimer of the Civil Rights Division.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Former Belen, N.M., Police Department Detective Indicted for Using Excessive Force Against Arrestee
A federal grand jury in Albuquerque, N.M., has returned a one-count indictment charging former Belen Police Department Detective John Lytle with unlawfully assaulting a victim, identified in the indictment as R.A., during an investigative stop and arrest on March 15, 2012.
Lytle is charged with violating R.A.’s right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure by a law enforcement officer, which includes freedom from the use of excessive force. The indictment alleges that Lytle unlawfully assaulted R.A. by striking R.A. while R.A. was in handcuffs. The indictment also alleges that Lytle’s actions resulted in bodily injury to R.A.
Lytle faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the civil rights violation.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Albuquerque Division of the Federal Bureau Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico Mark T. Baker and Trial Attorney Julia Gegenheimer of the Civil Rights Division.
Friday, November 8, 2013
FORMER OFFICERS AT VENTRESS CORRECTIONAL FACILITY CONVICTED IN BEATING DEATH OF INMATE
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Monday, November 4, 2013
Former Corrections Officers Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights Offenses and Obstruction of Justice for Beating Death of an Inmate at Ventress Correctional Facility in Alabama
The Justice Department announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Myron H. Thompson sentenced four former corrections officers of the Alabama Department of Corrections – Michael Smith, Matthew Davidson, Joseph Sanders and Scottie Glenn – in connection with the beating death of former inmate Rocrast Mack. Smith, 39, who was convicted by a federal jury on June 25, 2013, of seven counts of civil rights violations and obstruction of justice, was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment. Davidson, 45, who pled guilty to two civil rights violations and an obstruction of justice violation, was sentenced to seven years. Sanders, 32, who pled guilty to an obstruction of justice violation, was sentenced to five years. Glenn, 30, who pled guilty to a civil rights violation and a conspiracy violation, was sentenced to five years.
The incident occurred at Ventress Correctional Facility in Clayton, Ala., on Aug. 4, 2010, and at the time of the incident Smith was a lieutenant with supervisory authority over other officers on his shift. According to the evidence presented at trial, Smith assaulted Mack in an office in the prison, repeatedly striking him with a baton, stomping on him and kicking him. The evidence also showed that Smith assaulted Mack again several minutes later in the medical unit by repeatedly stomping on Mack’s head. Mack died the following morning in a Montgomery, Ala., hospital.
“These defendants each played a role in the vicious and fatal beating of Mr. Mack, and then they lied to authorities to conceal their culpability,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Department’s Civil Rights Division Jocelyn Samuels. “Their actions run completely counter to the responsibilities and trust given to law enforcement officers. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute those officers who commit such heinous criminal acts, and I hope that these sentencings help bring some measure of closure to the Mack family.”
“The majority of our corrections officers are dedicated to protecting and serving the public,” said U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama George L. Beck Jr. “These correctional officers were not so dedicated. These correctional officers savagely beat, stomped, and tortured a restrained man and then lied to protect themselves. There is no excuse for such behavior. Correctional officers walk a tough line, but they cannot cross that line into the criminal element. I hope that these sentences bring some sense of justice to the victim’s family and reinforce the notion that no one is above the law.”
This case was investigated by the Mobile, Ala., Division of the FBI in partnership with the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, and was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Patricia Sumner of the department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerusha Adams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Former Corrections Officers Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights Offenses and Obstruction of Justice for Beating Death of an Inmate at Ventress Correctional Facility in Alabama
The Justice Department announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Myron H. Thompson sentenced four former corrections officers of the Alabama Department of Corrections – Michael Smith, Matthew Davidson, Joseph Sanders and Scottie Glenn – in connection with the beating death of former inmate Rocrast Mack. Smith, 39, who was convicted by a federal jury on June 25, 2013, of seven counts of civil rights violations and obstruction of justice, was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment. Davidson, 45, who pled guilty to two civil rights violations and an obstruction of justice violation, was sentenced to seven years. Sanders, 32, who pled guilty to an obstruction of justice violation, was sentenced to five years. Glenn, 30, who pled guilty to a civil rights violation and a conspiracy violation, was sentenced to five years.
The incident occurred at Ventress Correctional Facility in Clayton, Ala., on Aug. 4, 2010, and at the time of the incident Smith was a lieutenant with supervisory authority over other officers on his shift. According to the evidence presented at trial, Smith assaulted Mack in an office in the prison, repeatedly striking him with a baton, stomping on him and kicking him. The evidence also showed that Smith assaulted Mack again several minutes later in the medical unit by repeatedly stomping on Mack’s head. Mack died the following morning in a Montgomery, Ala., hospital.
“These defendants each played a role in the vicious and fatal beating of Mr. Mack, and then they lied to authorities to conceal their culpability,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Department’s Civil Rights Division Jocelyn Samuels. “Their actions run completely counter to the responsibilities and trust given to law enforcement officers. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute those officers who commit such heinous criminal acts, and I hope that these sentencings help bring some measure of closure to the Mack family.”
“The majority of our corrections officers are dedicated to protecting and serving the public,” said U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama George L. Beck Jr. “These correctional officers were not so dedicated. These correctional officers savagely beat, stomped, and tortured a restrained man and then lied to protect themselves. There is no excuse for such behavior. Correctional officers walk a tough line, but they cannot cross that line into the criminal element. I hope that these sentences bring some sense of justice to the victim’s family and reinforce the notion that no one is above the law.”
This case was investigated by the Mobile, Ala., Division of the FBI in partnership with the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, and was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Patricia Sumner of the department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerusha Adams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO THREATENING A WITNESS VIA INSTAGRAM
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening a Witness in a Federal Criminal Tax Trial
The Justice Department announced today that Anthony Williams, a resident of Baton Rouge, La., pleaded guilty today to one count of threatening to retaliate against a witness in a federal criminal tax trial.
According to court documents, Williams threatened to cause bodily injury to a witness who testified in the federal trial of United States v. Angela Myers. In his plea agreement, Williams, who is Myers’ son, admitted to sending a threat via Instagram with the intent to retaliate against the witness for his testimony. In March 2013, Myers was convicted by a jury for her role in a stolen identity tax refund fraud scheme, and was subsequently sentenced to serve 11 years in federal prison.
Williams faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. As part of his plea agreement, Williams also agreed to a condition of release prohibiting him from initiating any contact whatsoever with the witness he threatened.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)- Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Trial Attorneys Justin Gelfand and Jason Poole of the Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening a Witness in a Federal Criminal Tax Trial
The Justice Department announced today that Anthony Williams, a resident of Baton Rouge, La., pleaded guilty today to one count of threatening to retaliate against a witness in a federal criminal tax trial.
According to court documents, Williams threatened to cause bodily injury to a witness who testified in the federal trial of United States v. Angela Myers. In his plea agreement, Williams, who is Myers’ son, admitted to sending a threat via Instagram with the intent to retaliate against the witness for his testimony. In March 2013, Myers was convicted by a jury for her role in a stolen identity tax refund fraud scheme, and was subsequently sentenced to serve 11 years in federal prison.
Williams faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. As part of his plea agreement, Williams also agreed to a condition of release prohibiting him from initiating any contact whatsoever with the witness he threatened.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)- Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Trial Attorneys Justin Gelfand and Jason Poole of the Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
MAN INDICTED FOR CRIMES RELATED TO ATTACK ON SYNAGOGUE IN SALT LAKE CITY
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Utah Man Indicted on Federal Hate Crime and Gun Charges Related to Religious-Motivated Attack on Synagogue
The Department of Justice announced today that a federal grand jury sitting in Salt Lake City returned a superseding indictment charging Macon Openshaw, 21, of Salt Lake City, on gun possession charges and a federal hate crime charge relating to a bias-motivated attack at a local synagogue.
The indictment alleges that between Jan. 1, 2012 and April 30, 2012, Openshaw intentionally defaced and damaged the Congregation Kol Ami synagogue in Salt Lake City by firing several rounds from a Walther .22 caliber handgun at the building, breaking windows and damaging the window frame of the building. Openshaw allegedly performed these actions because of the religious character of the synagogue. This charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.
The superseding indictment charges Openshaw with one count of using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, possession of a firearm with a removed, obliterated or altered serial number and possession of a firearm while subject to a protective order. An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The matter is being investigated by the Salt Lake City Division of the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlos Esqueda of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, Central Division, and Trial Attorney Nicholas Durham of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Utah Man Indicted on Federal Hate Crime and Gun Charges Related to Religious-Motivated Attack on Synagogue
The Department of Justice announced today that a federal grand jury sitting in Salt Lake City returned a superseding indictment charging Macon Openshaw, 21, of Salt Lake City, on gun possession charges and a federal hate crime charge relating to a bias-motivated attack at a local synagogue.
The indictment alleges that between Jan. 1, 2012 and April 30, 2012, Openshaw intentionally defaced and damaged the Congregation Kol Ami synagogue in Salt Lake City by firing several rounds from a Walther .22 caliber handgun at the building, breaking windows and damaging the window frame of the building. Openshaw allegedly performed these actions because of the religious character of the synagogue. This charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.
The superseding indictment charges Openshaw with one count of using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, possession of a firearm with a removed, obliterated or altered serial number and possession of a firearm while subject to a protective order. An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The matter is being investigated by the Salt Lake City Division of the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlos Esqueda of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, Central Division, and Trial Attorney Nicholas Durham of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
Friday, November 1, 2013
U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE ANNOUNCES LEADER OF HEARTLESS FELONS STREET GANG APPREHENDED
FROM: U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE,
October 24, 2013 Ryan Helfrich, Deputy U.S. Marshal Northern District of Ohio
Most Wanted Murder Suspect & Leader of Heartless Felons Street Gang
Captured by U.S. Marshals
NOVFTF LogoCleveland, OH –Today, United States Marshal Pete Elliott and Regional Director Todd Ishee of the Adult Parole Authority announce the arrest of one of northern Ohio’s most wanted violent fugitives.
On Wednesday October 23rd 2013 at approximately 4:30 PM, the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task arrested Julius Webster age 27, on Knollwood Drive in Parma, Ohio. Webster was wanted for the robbery and murder of 31-year-old Curtis Leon Marks Jr. on August 29th, 2013. The murder took place outside of a bar on the corner of 70th and Superior Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. Additionally, Webster was wanted by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office for escape, the Adult Parole Authority for a parole violation and is a suspect in two separate homicides in Canton, Ohio. Webster was a founding member and leader of the Heartless Felons Street Gang and had been previewed on multiple occasions throughout multiple cities as the United States Marshals Fugitive of the Week. The task force has been pursuing Webster endlessly for the last two months.
The task force developed information that Webster was staying at an apartment on Knollwood Dr. in Parma. Officers set up surveillance around the apartment. At around 4:30 a male fitting the description of Webster was seen exiting the building and getting into a vehicle. Members of the task force followed Webster a short distance before stopping the vehicle. The vehicle was surrounded at the corner of Knollwood and Big Creek Dr. in Parma. Webster was taken into custody and transported to the Cleveland Police Department without incident.
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said, “Great team work by the Deputy United States Marshals,
The Canton Office of the FBI, the Adult Parole Authority and all the members of the Task Force led to the capture of this violent fugitive. Our streets are much safer today due to the fact that these officers and departments partnered together and never stopped pursuing Webster ending his run as one of northern Ohio’s most wanted”.
Adult Parole Authority Regional Director Todd Ishee said, “We are very proud to be partners with the Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. Together our men and women of the Task Force are making a tremendous difference every day ridding our streets of many violent fugitives. Partnerships are what brought Webster to Justice.”
Anyone with information concerning any wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833). You may also anonymously text in a tip by texting the keyword "WANTED" and your tip to TIP411 (847411), or you can send a web tip at the following webpage http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/oh-n/index.html. Reward money is available and tipsters may remain anonymous.
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, Lakewood Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, Solon Police Department, and the Westlake Police Department.
October 24, 2013 Ryan Helfrich, Deputy U.S. Marshal Northern District of Ohio
Most Wanted Murder Suspect & Leader of Heartless Felons Street Gang
Captured by U.S. Marshals
NOVFTF LogoCleveland, OH –Today, United States Marshal Pete Elliott and Regional Director Todd Ishee of the Adult Parole Authority announce the arrest of one of northern Ohio’s most wanted violent fugitives.
On Wednesday October 23rd 2013 at approximately 4:30 PM, the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task arrested Julius Webster age 27, on Knollwood Drive in Parma, Ohio. Webster was wanted for the robbery and murder of 31-year-old Curtis Leon Marks Jr. on August 29th, 2013. The murder took place outside of a bar on the corner of 70th and Superior Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. Additionally, Webster was wanted by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office for escape, the Adult Parole Authority for a parole violation and is a suspect in two separate homicides in Canton, Ohio. Webster was a founding member and leader of the Heartless Felons Street Gang and had been previewed on multiple occasions throughout multiple cities as the United States Marshals Fugitive of the Week. The task force has been pursuing Webster endlessly for the last two months.
The task force developed information that Webster was staying at an apartment on Knollwood Dr. in Parma. Officers set up surveillance around the apartment. At around 4:30 a male fitting the description of Webster was seen exiting the building and getting into a vehicle. Members of the task force followed Webster a short distance before stopping the vehicle. The vehicle was surrounded at the corner of Knollwood and Big Creek Dr. in Parma. Webster was taken into custody and transported to the Cleveland Police Department without incident.
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said, “Great team work by the Deputy United States Marshals,
The Canton Office of the FBI, the Adult Parole Authority and all the members of the Task Force led to the capture of this violent fugitive. Our streets are much safer today due to the fact that these officers and departments partnered together and never stopped pursuing Webster ending his run as one of northern Ohio’s most wanted”.
Adult Parole Authority Regional Director Todd Ishee said, “We are very proud to be partners with the Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. Together our men and women of the Task Force are making a tremendous difference every day ridding our streets of many violent fugitives. Partnerships are what brought Webster to Justice.”
Anyone with information concerning any wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833). You may also anonymously text in a tip by texting the keyword "WANTED" and your tip to TIP411 (847411), or you can send a web tip at the following webpage http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/oh-n/index.html. Reward money is available and tipsters may remain anonymous.
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, Lakewood Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, Solon Police Department, and the Westlake Police Department.
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