MURDER SUSPECT CAUGHT BY FUGITIVE TASK FORCE

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE 

June 30, 2015

U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force Captures Murder Suspect Wanted in Modesto, California

Reno, NV – Northern Nevada’s U.S. Marshals-led fugitive task force today located and arrested William Eric Smith who is wanted by the Modesto Police Department for a murder committed on June 6. Smith allegedly used a firearm during that crime; however, no gun was recovered during today’s arrest in a joint operation involving the Sparks Police Department, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Nevada Division of Parole and Probation, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Earlier this month, the Modesto Police asked the Marshals Service to assist in finding Smith. Through a series of investigative leads, Smith was discovered in the parking lot of a department store on East 2nd Street. He was shortly thereafter taken into custody without incident in Sparks. Smith was then booked into the Washoe County Detention Center to await court hearings and extradition to California.

Christopher Hoye, U.S. Marshal for the District of Nevada, commented that violent offenders are given top priority by the joint federal, state, county, and municipal fugitive task forces. “The Northern Nevada community can rest assured that when help is requested, one hundred percent of our effort is directed toward finding and arresting people wanted in these types of crimes,” Hoye further stated.

The Northern Nevada Fugitive Task Force, led by the U.S. Marshals Service, is a partnership comprised of law enforcement investigators from the United States Marshals Service, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Department of Public Safety (Probation & Parole), Sparks Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms (ATF). The task force combines resources and expertise of local, state, and federal law enforcement in a coordinated effort to arrest dangerous fugitives and pursue sexual offenders wherever they are located. Last year the unit was responsible for the arrest of 250 state, local, and federal fugitives.

U.S. MARSHALS ANNOUNCES ARREST OF FUGITIVE WANTED FOR BURGLARY AND TRAFFICKING IN STOLEN FIREARMS

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE 

February 05, 2015

Nicholas Bonifazi, Deputy U.S. Marshal

Northern District of Iowa 

USMS Office of Public Affairs 

U.S. Marshals Arrest Cedar Rapids Most Wanted in Chicago

Cedar Rapids, IA - U.S. Marshals arrested a Cedar Rapids man in Chicago today wanted on charges related to burglary and trafficking stolen firearms.

Brandon Robertson,19, failed to appear for sentencing in October 2014. Following the incident, the U.S. Marshals Service Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force (NIFTF) was requested to assist in the hunt for Robertson.

In January, the NIFTF partnered with Lamar Outdoor Advertising, to make the public aware of Robertson's fugitive status. Shortly after Lamar Outdoor Advertising published Robertson's "Most Wanted" status on digital billboards throughout eastern Iowa, the public quickly responded with phone calls coming in to the local US Marshals Fugitive Tipline.

NIFTF members narrowed the search for Robertson to a residence in the vicinity of the 4100 block of South Prairie Avenue in Chicago. NIFTF members coordinated with the U.S. Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force along with members of the Chicago Police Department to apprehend Robertson. Robertson quickly surrendered to the Marshals, and was taken into custody without incident.
The U.S. Marshals Service is the federal government’s primary agency for fugitive investigations.

Nationwide, 60 local task forces are dedicated to violent crime reduction by locating and apprehending wanted criminals. These task forces also serve as the central point for agencies to share information on fugitive matters. The Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force is comprised of officers from the US Marshals Service, the Linn County Sheriff’s office, Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation.

MURDER SUSPECT APPREHENDED AFTER BEING ON THE RUN FOR ALMOST 10 YEARS

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE

January 22, 2015

Yvette Soto, Deputy U.S. Marshal

District of New Mexico 

Murder Suspect Finally in U.S. Custody After Nearly a Decade on the Run

Allegedly bludgeoned victim and left body in NM desert

Dona Ana, NM – After nearly a decade on the run, murder suspect Eduardo Estrada-Garcia is finally back on U.S. soil to face his charges. The U.S. Marshals Service South West Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT) task force took custody of Estrada-Garcia on Thursday, January 22, after he was extradited from Mexico.

The Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Department in New Mexico wanted Estrada-Garcia for allegedly murdering Emely Ianni- Howard. On June 6, 2006, Estrada-Garcia allegedly bludgeoned Howard to death and left her body in the Chaparral Desert.

During the fugitive investigation for Estrada-Garcia, the U.S. Marshals worked closely with the Border Violence Division of the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office to develop information regarding his possible whereabouts, which ultimately led to his apprehension in Mexico in June 2014.

“While Estrada-Garcia evaded capture for nearly a decade, this case is a testament to the vehement dedication of the U.S. Marshals in the District of New Mexico and our many law enforcement partners who were resolute in their commitment to bring this fugitive to justice,” said Conrad Candelaria, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico.

“I would also like to acknowledge the hard work and legal diligence of the Border Violence Division of the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office and the Office of International Affairs of the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, which navigated and facilitated the complex extradition process so that this fugitive could be returned to New Mexico and be held accountable for the horrific crimes allegedly committed.”

U.S. MARSHALS FUGITIVE TASK FORCE ARRESTS MURDER SUSPECT WHO FLED FROM PUERTO RICO TO FLORIDA

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE 

October 22, 2014

U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force Arrests Murder Suspect Who Fled From Puerto Rico to Florida

Fugitive Located in Ocala Apartment

Gainesville, FL – This morning, the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Jonathan Santiago-Torres in a northeast Ocala apartment complex. Santiago-Torres was wanted by the Caguas Municipal Court in Puerto Rico on an outstanding arrest warrant for homicide and weapons-related charges with a bond of $2 million. Per an investigation by police in Puerto Rico, Santiago-Torres shot and killed a male victim with a handgun on June 25.

U.S. Marshals in Puerto Rico and Task Force members in Gainesville developed information that Santiago-Torres fled to Florida after the murder. Further investigation revealed that Santiago-Torres arrived in the Ocala area within the last couple of days. Task Force members – including investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the Levy County Sheriff’s Office – continued the investigation in Ocala this morning and determined Santiago-Torres was likely hiding inside the apartment located at 2701 NE 7th Street #601 with a friend. At approximately 9:00 a.m., Task Force members surrounded this apartment and ordered Santiago-Torres to exit. Santiago-Torres exited moments later and Task Force members placed him under arrest. Santiago-Torres was booked into the Marion County Jail on his outstanding arrest warrant.

For additional information, please contact Deputy U.S. Marshal Bryon Carroll at (352) 672-8065.

The Gainesville Division of the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force is sponsored by the U.S. Marshals Service and is comprised of investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, the Levy County Sheriff's Office, the Marion County Sheriff's Office, the Gainesville Police Department, and the Chiefland Police Department.

VIOLENT CALIFORNIA GANG MEMBER APPREHENDED IN ALBUQUERQUE, NM

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE 
California Gang Violence Spills into Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM – On March 31, 2014, the United States Marshals Service’s South West Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT) fugitive task force arrested Maria Cathy Tercero on a warrant charging her with Attempted Homicide. Tercero was charged on August 1, 2012, in Victorville Superior Court in California. The attempted homicide occurred during an incident between rival gangs. Allegedly, Tercero and three additional gang members held down several victims from a rival gang and stabbed them multiple times. Tercero’s three accomplices were apprehended but Tercero fled California.

United States Marshals in central California developed leads that Tercero relocated to Albuquerque, NM. Deputy Marshals in Albuquerque were able to track Tercero to the 4000 block of Glen Canyon Court in northeast Albuquerque, NM. A team of law enforcement officers from the Marshal’s SWIFT task force located and arrested Tercero without incident. Tercero was transported and booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center and remains there on $1,100,000.00 bail and/or extradition back to California to face charges.

ARMED ROBBERY FUGITIVE ARRESTED

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE 

Massachusetts Man Wanted in Connection With Two Armed Robberies Arrested by U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in New Hampshire

Concord, NH – This evening, members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force from both New Hampshire and Massachusetts arrested fugitive Jeffrey Leonard, age 29. Leonard was being sought in connection with two armed robberies in MA.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Massachusetts had been requested to assist in the location and arrest of Jeffrey Leonard. Leonard was wanted by both the Yarmouth and Dennis, Massachusetts Police Departments on outstanding arrest warrants for armed robbery while masked with a firearm. Information developed by the Marshals Task Force in Massachusetts, led investigators to NH, where Leonard was originally from and had a previous conviction for another armed robbery.

Today, investigators narrowed their search to a residence in the 900 block of Union Street in Manchester, NH. After a period of surveillance, it was determined that Leonard was likely inside the residence. Officers initially checked the apartment that Leonard was believed to be in without finding him. A further search of the residence led investigators to the basement where Leonard was found hiding, and he was arrested without any further incident.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has charged Leonard as a fugitive from justice on the two outstanding Massachusetts arrest warrants. Leonard will be held as a fugitive, without bail at the Hillsborough County Jail (Valley Street) pending his initial court appearance on Wednesday.

These arrests were made by members of the task force, including; Rockingham, Hillsborough, & Belknap County Deputy Sheriffs, deputy U.S. Marshals from MA and NH.

Since the inception of the New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force in 2002, these partnerships have resulted in over 5,523 arrests. These arrests have ranged in seriousness from murder, assault, unregistered sex offenders, probation and parole violations and numerous other serious offenses.

Nationally the United States Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 85 local fugitive task forces, 7 regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries.

U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE REPORTS HOMICIDE SUSPECT ARRESTED IN NEW YORK BY FUGITIVE TASK FORCE

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force Arrests New York Homicide Suspect in New York

Harrisburg, PA – United States Marshal Martin J. Pane announced today that the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Fugitive Task Force arrested Johnny Garriga, a 23-year old man, in York, Pennsylvania. Garriga was being sought for a homicide that occurred on December 26, 2013 in Brooklyn, New York. The incident left an individual dead after sustaining gunshot wounds. On December 27, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) requested the assistance of the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force (NY/NJ RFTF) in locating and apprehending Garriga. NY/NJ RFTF members believed that Garriga fled the area to the York, Pennsylvania region. An investigative lead was sent to the Middle District of Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (M/PA) for assistance in locating Garriga. On December 30, Garriga was arrested without incident by M/PA in the 200 block of South Queen Street in York, Pennsylvania. Garriga was turned over to local authorities for processing. United States Marshal Martin J. Pane stated, “Our top priority is to arrest violent offenders, especially those who use guns against our citizens. This arrest takes a murder suspect off the street and it is my sincere hope that this will bring the victims family some measure of justice.” The USMS worked jointly in this investigation with officers from the York City Police Department, York County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police Fugitive Unit, New York City Police Department, and the NY/NJ RFTF. The concept of all USMS-led fugitive task forces is to seek out and arrest the nation’s most dangerous offenders.

U.S. MARSHALS TASK FORCE CAPTURES SUSPECTED VEHICLE SHOOTER

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE 
U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force Captures Suspect Charged with 
Shooting an Occupied Vehicle with an Assault Rifle

Gainesville, FL - The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Bricen Bowden tonight at approximately 5:00 p.m. in the parking lot located at 15910 NW 144th Terrace in the city of Alachua. Bowden was wanted by the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office on an outstanding arrest warrant for (1) shooting into an occupied vehicle, (2) possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, (3) aggravated assault, and (4) discharging a firearm in public. Bowden's warrant was issued following an investigation by the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office into a daytime shooting on 12/5/13 near Mayo where Bowden is suspected of firing an AK-47 style assault rifle into a vehicle occupied by three people. Bowden was released from state prison in July 2013.

Through investigation, Task Force members determined Bowden had fled to Alachua County after the shooting and later developed information that Bowden was hiding with friends near the city of Alachua in an attempt to avoid arrest. This afternoon, Task Force members - including investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, and the Gainesville Police Department - initiated surveillance and spotted a vehicle occupied by several people including Bowden. Task Force members along with an Alachua County K-9 unit stopped the vehicle and ordered Bowden out at gunpoint. Bowden was placed under arrest on his outstanding warrant and booked into the Alachua County Jail.

U.S. Marshal Ed Spooner of the Northern District of Florida stated that the arrest of Bricen Bowden highlights the great cooperation between the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force and local law enforcement agencies, including the Alachua County Sheriff's Office and the Gainesville Police Department, which leads to the apprehension of fugitives wanted for violent crimes.

U.S. MARSHALS ARRESTED SUSPECT IN CONNECTION WITH A BOMB THREAT

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE

November 21, 2013 Eastern District of Virginia 

U.S. Marshals Task Force Arrests Suspect in Connection with a Bomb Threat
Alexandria, VA – U.S. Marshal Robert Mathieson announces the capture of William Wyatt Raum. Raum was wanted by the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) in connection with a bomb threat communicated earlier this month.
On Oct. 29, the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center received a bomb threat from an unknown suspect. On Nov. 4, the FCSO requested their deputy sheriff assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service’s fugitive task force to investigate the threat. The investigation determined Raum as the alleged offender.

The case was adopted by the U.S. Marshals task force located within the federal Eastern District of Virginia. At approximately 6:00 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, task force officers and Deputy U.S. Marshals located and apprehended Raum in an apartment complex located on Marlboro Pike in Capitol Heights, MD. Raum was transported to the Prince George’s County Police Department and is awaiting extradition to Fairfax County.

The U.S. Marshals-led fugitive task force within E/VA is made possible by the collaboration of the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, Alexandria Police Department, Virginia State Police, Fairfax County Police Department, Fairfax County Sheriff's Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Diplomatic Security Service.

The task force within the Metropolitan D.C. area was founded in 2004 and, to date, has arrested tens of thousands of fugitives. The success of the task force directly correlates to it being a truly joint endeavor. Each agency brings its unique skills and expertise toward the common goal of pursuing and arresting the worst of the worst.

The U.S. Marshals Service arrested more than 36,000 federal fugitives, 86,700 state and local fugitives, and 11,800 sex offenders in fiscal year 2013. Our investigative network and capabilities allow for the unique ability to track and apprehend any fugitive who attempts to evade police capture, anywhere in the country.

FUGITIVE OF THE WEEK ARRESTED BY PORTSMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE 
October 17, 2013 Deputy U.S. Marshal Jamie Berry, District of New Hampshire
'Fugitive of the Week' Arrested by U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in 
Portsmouth, NH

Concord, NH – Last night, Portsmouth Police Department arrested this week’s "Fugitive of the Week" Michael David Mahoney in Portsmouth, NH. Mahoney, a 50 year old who was last known to reside in Hampton, NH, was being sought on two outstanding arrest warrants. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, was seeking Mahoney on a warrants for failure to appear for burglary and failure to appear for witness tampering.

A tipster who had seen Mahoney featured as the fugitive of the week, recognized Mahoney in Portsmouth, NH and immediately notified the Portsmouth Police Department. Mahoney was swiftly located and arrested by the Portsmouth Police at a local homeless shelter without incident.

Since the inception of the New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force in 2002, these partnerships have resulted in over 5,523 arrests (updated 09/03/2013). These arrests have ranged in seriousness from murder, assault, unregistered sex offenders, probation and parole violations and numerous other serious offenses. Nationally the United States Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 85 local fugitive task forces, 7 regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries.