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

"OPERATION SPRING THAW" NETS FUGITIVES FOR FEDERAL MARSHALS SERVICE

The following excerpt is from the U.S. Marshals Service website:

"Milwaukee, WI – The United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Kevin A. Carr, announced the conclusion of Operation Spring Thaw. The operation began on February 1, 2012 and ended today. During the operation, members of the Fugitive Task Force (Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department and US Marshals) arrested 38 individuals on outstanding felony warrants. While numerous wanted individuals were taken into custody for a variety of charges, including Sexual Assault of Children, Reckless Endangerment, Firearms Violations, Bail Jumping, Arson, Substantial Battery, Fraud and Probation Violation, the focus was on cold cases (cases where the fugitives had been wanted for several years). Notable arrests during the operation included Michael Mack, wanted since 2009, and had been featured on ‘America’s Most Wanted’ a few weeks ago. Mack was accused of assaulting his girlfriend, and setting her home on fire. Investigators say Mack got into an argument with his girlfriend and she threw him out of the house. He wanted revenge, and allegedly visited her in the hospital for an illness, punched her and soon after, set her place on fire. A tip received as a result of this airing led to Mack’s arrest on February 13, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas. Law enforcement officials say he was working in a carnival and used an alias. Theresa Birkley, wanted since 1997, had been convicted and sentenced to probation in May of 1997 for Battery While Armed. Birkley had stabbed the victim with a knife on the arms, shoulder and face. Birkley subsequently absconded from supervision in August of 1997. Birkley was located and arrested by deputy marshals in Greenville, Mississippi on Tuesday February 21, 2012. Marshal Carr stated that “Operation Spring Thaw was a successful full-court press by the Fugitive Task Force and the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department to make an impact in keeping the community safe”.