FUGITIVES CAUGHT AFTER UNAUTHORIZED LEAVE OF BOOT CAMP

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE 

November 02, 2015

U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force Arrests Two Fugitives Within 24 Hours of Escape

Harrisburg, PA - Today, U.S. Marshal Martin J. Pane announced the arrests of Nicholas Guido and Trent Maffei. Both men were convicted of drug offenses and were serving 24-month State Intermediate Punishment sentences at the Quehanna Boot Camp in Clearfield County, PA.

On November 1, 2015, at approximately 12:50 pm. Guido and Maffei were observed getting into a dark colored vehicle and leaving the boot camp area without authorization. Pennsylvania State Police issued a state wide alert for the fugitives.

On November 2, 2015, Middle District of Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force members received information on the fugitives and arrested them without incident at a campground in Duncannon, PA. Both were turned over to local authorities pending court proceedings.

United States Marshal Martin J. Pane stated, “Working jointly with the Pennsylvania State Police and other state and local agencies resulted in these two fugitives being taken into custody within 24 hours.”

The USMS worked this investigation with the Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, Harrisburg Bureau of Police and the Dauphin County Probation Office.

USMS ANNOUNCES AFTER 12 YEARS, FUGITIVE APPREHENDED

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE  

Fugitive's Run Comes to an End After Nearly 12 Years

Sioux City, IA – A fugitive who fled after violating conditions of his pre-trial release was arrested Friday by the Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force in Tacoma Washington.

Somsock Senlouangrat, age 45 was released Sep. 14, 2003, on pre-trial release pending his trial after being arrested for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Senlouangrat was being supervised by a United States Probation Officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he resided until November of 2003 when he stopped contacting his probation officer. A warrant was issued for Senlouangrat in December of 2003; however there was no trace of Senlouangrat and very few leads to follow.

Senlouangrat continued to go undetected until 2014 when Deputy United States Marshal Brandon Johnson found a link to Senlouangrat in the Tacoma Washington area, which eventually led to the arrest of Senlouangrat last Friday.

“I cannot say enough about the outstanding and diligent investigation conducted by Deputy Johnson in an effort to locate Senlouangrat; it exemplifies the high standards set by Deputy United States Marshals” said United States Marshal Kenneth Runde.

The Marshals Service assumes custody of individuals arrested by all federal agencies and is responsible for the housing and transportation of prisoners from the time they are brought into federal custody until they are either acquitted or incarcerated.

4 ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY BEATING WOMAN WITH BASEBALL BAT

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE 

Four Women Wanted for Allegedly Beating Victim with Baseball Bat

Arrested by U.S. Marshals Task Force in Detroit

Lansing, MI – Four women wanted in connection with a brutal baseball attack in East Lansing in March were arrested today. The women are charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery, and assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder.

Chinonye Sky Nwangwu, 18, Paris Jeanine-Renee Strickland, 19, Tierra Desree Hubbard, 19, and Brittani Shonta Barber-Gribble, 19, are accused of luring a female out of her East Lansing apartment in the early morning hours of March 6, then beating her by punching, kicking, and hitting her with a baseball bat. The victim was able to escape her attackers and get back into her apartment, but only after being severely beaten.

The female suspects also stole the victim’s cell phone during the attack, and then vandalized her vehicle and caused significant damage before leaving the apartment complex. At least one of the attackers was known to the victim, but the motive for the crime is unclear at this time. Michigan State University Police detectives investigated the case and identified all five suspects and obtained arrest warrants for them in early May.

Investigators from the joint Marshals/Michigan State Police Lansing Area Fugitive Task Force in Lansing adopted the case soon after the warrants were issued. The investigation led the task force to Detroit, where authorities determined the women were living. Deputy Marshals and officers from the U.S. Marshals Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team (DFAT) in Detroit joined the investigation and developed further information on the women’s whereabouts.

On the morning of May 12, DFAT conducted simultaneous operations and arrested Nwangwu, Strickland, Hubbard, and Barber-Gribble in Detroit without incident. A fifth suspect, Madison Reed, 19, was arrested on May 11 in Detroit.

The women will be transported back to the Ingham County Jail in Mason today to await court appearances on the pending felony charges.

FUGITIVE WANTED FOR MURDER SINCE 2008 CAUGHT IN MEXICO

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE 

March 17, 2015 Yvette Soto, Deputy U.S. Marshal

Fugitive Wanted for 2008 Murder Apprehended in Mexico, Deported to U.S.

Allegedly left victim’s burned, bullet-riddled body in West Mesa

Las Cruces, NM - The U.S. Marshals Service South West Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT) task force took custody of one of New Mexico’s most wanted fugitives, U.S. citizen Mario Jerardo Talavera, on Friday, March 13.

In 2011, Talavera was featured on Fox’s America’s Most Wanted in connection with the gruesome 2008 murder of Danny Baca, a 53-year-old Albuquerque resident. Talavera and two associates allegedly killed Baca over a drug deal gone wrong, and left his burned, bullet-riddled body in the West Mesa where it was found by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department.

“After the crime, Talavera allegedly fled,” said Conrad Candelaria, U.S. Marshal of the District of New Mexico. “We joined the manhunt for him soon after.”

The fugitive investigation gained momentum when U.S. Marshals determined Talavera had fled to Mexico. Further investigation by U.S. Marshals and Mexican authorities revealed that Talavera was located in the city of Cuauhtémoc, where he was then arrested by Mexican authorities. Talavera was deported to the United States and booked into the Otero County Prison Facility in New Mexico. He is facing charges for federal drug trafficking, murder and kidnapping.

“The final chapter of justice denied has been written,” said Candelaria. “This dangerous and violent fugitive will now be held accountable for the gruesome and unconscionable acts of violence committed.

“The U.S. Marshals worked closely with the local district attorney, the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office and many other agencies in the law enforcement community both local and international to ensure justice was served.”

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.

SEARCH FOR CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER ENDS

FROM: U.S. U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE, FUGITIVES
Weekend Arrest Ends Search for Convicted Sex Offender

Des Moines, IA – On Friday, August 31, 2012, the U.S. Marshals Southern Iowa Fugitive Task Force requested the public’s assistance in the search for convicted sex offender Courtney Cortez Chestnut, 29, of Des Moines. Chestnut was wanted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for failure to register as a sex offender (2nd offense) and escape.

On Saturday evening, September 1, 2012, acting on a tip called into the Des Moines Police Department, Des Moines Police Officers arrested Chestnut at a residence in the 2000 block of 22nd Street in Des Moines. Chestnut was booked into the Polk County Jail where he is currently being held on $5,000 cash bond.

"This is just another example of the good, law-abiding citizens of Des Moines working together with law enforcement to make our communities a safer place to live," said Michael R. Bladel, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Iowa. "I would like to thank the anonymous tipster, the media, and the Des Moines Police Department for their swift response to our request for assistance."

The Southern Iowa Fugitive Task Force is a cooperative effort of the U.S. Marshals, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Department of Public Safety, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

HUNDREDS OF FELONS ARRESTED DURING "OPERATION JUSTICE IV"

FROM:  U.S. FEDERAL MARSHALS SERVICE
Over 200 Wanted Felons Arrested During Valley Wide Operation
Phoenix, AZ – From April 16-20, Phoenix valley law enforcement partners collaborated on “Operation Justice IV”, a one week round-up of wanted felons in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Operation Justice netted valley law enforcement partners 251 fugitives wanted throughout Maricopa and Pinal Counties. In addition to arresting these fugitives, 16 weapons were taken off the streets.
The U.S. Marshals Service in the District of Arizona through its Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force coordinated this effort to coincide with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week which is observed the week of April 22-28, 2012. Since 1981, the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime has observed and assisted communities in promoting victims’ rights and to honor crime victims and those that advocate on their behalf. The vast majority of victims of violent crimes have no voice. During this week long operation law enforcement officers across the valley were their voice.

U.S. Marshal David Gonzales stated, "We know from experience, and the sad experiences from far too many victims, that a fugitive is more desperate, more predatory, and more likely to commit crimes that reduce the quality of life in our communities. These arrests will prevent numerous crimes committed by individuals who prey on our communities in order to survive while attempting to escape justice.”
Of the 251 fugitives arrested, 7 were wanted for sexual offenses. Robert Cummings, 25, was arrested by Operation Justice Participants at a residence in Buckeye.

Cummings was wanted by the Chula Vista, CA Police Department for Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Minor. These charges stem from an allegation that Cummings sexually assaulted a known 14 year old female over a ten day period in 2011. It is alleged that Cummings committed numerous lewd and lascivious acts to the victim including communicating with the victim for sexual intent, oral copulation with a victim less than 16 years of age and penetration with a foreign object with a victim less than 16 years of age.

Numerous fugitives targeted during this operation were wanted for drug and weapons offenses. One of those arrested was Albert Merrill. Merrill, 32, was arrested by Operation Justice Participants at a residence in Avondale. Merrill was wanted by the Arizona Department of Corrections for violating the conditions of his parole. Merrill, a career criminal and documented gang member, was on parole after having been convicted of Misconduct Involving Weapons. On April 17th, Operation Justice Participants developed information that Merrill was residing at an Avondale residence. As Officer’s approached the residence, Merrill tried fleeing out the back door holding a pistol. Merrill was confronted by Officer’s as he was trying to climb a wall, at which time he dropped the weapon and attempted to flee in another direction forcing an Officer to deploy a projectile stun gun

to affect the arrest. Subsequent to the arrest, Officer’s found numerous other weapons in the room where Merrill was residing.

“Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Marshals Service and our state and local law enforcement partners, the citizens of Maricopa County are safer today with the successful apprehension of these fugitives and the seizure of dangerous weapons and drugs,” said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “My office now looks forward to the opportunity to hold these violent offenders accountable and protecting the community from further harm,” he added.

Operation Justice involved over 100 law enforcement officers from 30 contributing agencies throughout Maricopa and Pinal Counties.

The United States Marshals Service is the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency. Annually, U.S. Marshals arrest more than 50 percent of all federal fugitives and serve more federal warrants than all other federal agencies combined.

MAN FLEES DURING MURDER TRIAL IS CAPTURED WITH GUN AND DRUGS

FROM U.S MARSHALS SERVICE
Fugitive who fled During Murder Trial Captured with Stolen Gun and Drugs by U.S
Loxley, AL – A Pensacola man who never returned from a break during the jury deliberations of which he was on trial for murder, was apprehended last night by the combined effort of U.S. Marshals from Mobile, AL and Pensacola, FL. Task Force members from the Gulf Coast and Florida Regional Fugitive Task Forces arrested Ortavious Devon Wilson at the Loxley Motel at about 7 p.m. last night. The 33 year old Wilson was arrested outside of a room he rented without incident. However, a search of the room revealed a 9mm handgun that was reportedly stolen from Escambia County, FL last year, as well as substances that appeared to be crack cocaine and marijuana and drug paraphernalia indicative of dealing and selling drugs. U.S. Marshals from Pensacola and Mobile as well as Task Force Officers from the Florida State Attorney’s Office, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, Monroeville Police Department and the Alabama Department of Corrections also assisted. At the time of his arrest, Wilson had the gun’s magazine in his pocket and which was loaded with three bullets in it. Wilson is not currently facing any local charges in Alabama but stands to face charges from the United States Attorney’s Office in Mobile as well as The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in Florida

FLORIDA FUGITIVE APPREHENDED IN GEORGIA

The following excerpt is from the U.S. Marshal's website:

August 19, 2011
Southern District of Georgia
Florida Fugitive Captured

Savannah, Georgia – A Florida man wanted by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Department in Gainsville, Florida was arrested by the United States Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force and Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Police Department on August 19, 2011 in Savannah, Georgia.

Anthony M. Mathis, 19, was being sought on a warrant by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Department for Robbery. Mathis was part of a crew of young men, who would see a person make a purchase and flash money in a store or other business, and they would follow the person from the business. When outside they would beat the person down and steal their money. The incident happened in June of 2011. Other members of the crew have been arrested.

The case was referred to the Gainsville Office of the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force in July 2011. The Florida Task Force conducted an extensive investigation over the last three and a half weeks to find Mathis. Numerous leads were generated by the Florida Task Force. The Florida Task Force received information that Mathis was possibly in the Savannah area and enlisted the aid of the Savannah Office of the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Task Forces generated a possible address on Savannah’s southside at the Windsor Crossing Apartments on White Bluff Road. The Savannah Task Force and SCMPD Patrol units went to the address and found Mathis in apartment #405. Mathis was arrested without incident and transported to the Chatham County Jail to await extradition proceedings to send him back to Florida. Through the excellent coordination between the Marshals Task Forces and local law enforcement, a dangerous felon was taken off the street.

Annually, investigations carried out by the U.S. Marshals result in the apprehension of over 36, 000 federal fugitives. More federal fugitives are arrested by the Marshals Service than all other federal agencies combined.
The Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force has three offices: Atlanta, Macon, and Savannah. The task force covers the whole state of Georgia. The Savannah Office of the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force is a team comprised of investigators from the Georgia Department of Corrections, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department, the Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Police Department and the United States Marshals Service. The task force objective is to seek out and arrest fugitives charged with violent crimes, drug crimes, sex offenders, and other felonies. In 2010, U.S. Marshals led task forces arrested more than 81,000 state and local fugitives on felony charges."

LONE STAR FUGITIVE TASK FORCE NABS FUGITIVE

The following is an excerpt from the U.S. Marshals website

El Paso, TX - Ernesto Hinojos, 23, of El Paso was arrested yesterday without incident by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. Hinojos was the target of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation and was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury for his role in a Conspiracy, alleging his possession with intent to distribute approximately 3000 pounds of marijuana and over 5 kilograms of cocaine.
The El Paso based multi-agency fugitive based task force focused their investigative efforts at identifying several individuals likely to have been in recent contact with Hinojos. Officers established surveillance at several known locations frequented by Hinojos. During several interviews with family and associates, task force officers initiated surveillance with a former paramour of Hinojos. The female ultimately led officers to a residence in the 7800 block of Mesa. Officers resumed surveillance of the residence and after a brief period were able to identify Hinojos and move in for the arrest.
Hinojos was remanded to the custody of the El Paso County Detention Facility pending his initial appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge.
The United States Attorney's Office in El Paso is presently reviewing investigative activity to consider further charges against individuals who may have harbored Hinojos as well as providing false statements to federal authorities.
Robert R. Almonte, United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas states, "The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force is committed to using all resources at their disposal to hunt down fugitives who have no regard for the rule of law."