Biden’s administration arrests more than 800 criminals
The U.S. Marshals Service has concluded Operation North Star II (ONS II), a high-impact initiative to apprehend fugitive criminals designed to combat violent crime in 10 cities with high levels of shootings and homicides.
The initiative lasted 30 days and led to the arrest of 833 of fugitives and violent criminals, sex offenders, and self-identified members of gangs in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Buffalo, New York; Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Jackson, Mississippi; Kansas City, Missouri; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Oakland, California; and Puerto Rico.
ONS II focused on suspects wanted for the most serious, violent, and harmful offenses including murder and sexual assaults forcibly compelled, robbery, or aggravated assault. ONS II investigators prioritized their efforts to target those who used firearms in their crimes or who exhibited risk factors related to violence.
“The results of this operation should make clear that the Justice Department and our partners across the country will stop at nothing to find and bring to justice those responsible for violent crime,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The U.S. Marshals Service, and the entire Justice Department, will continue to collaborate with community officials and law enforcement personnel nationwide to safeguard our communities.”
“The U.S. Marshals Service remains steadfast in its dedication to supporting law enforcement and other community leaders on all levels to fight violent crime,” said Director Ronald Davis of the U.S. Marshals Service. “The success of ONS II is based on its laser focus on the most important causes of violence. We are certain that catching these criminals will bring a level of justice to their victim. It will also contribute to the overall violence reduction efforts in each city and ultimately bring about a sense of justice for their victims.”
In January, the U.S. Marshals Service used its broad arrest authority and task force network to arrest suspects wanted on charges including 95 for murder and 68 on sexual assault. In addition, investigators have seized 181 guns, more than $229,000 in currency, as well as more than 160 kilograms worth of illegal drugs.
Notable arrests included:
Walter Abbott was arrested on Jan. 18 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, by members of the Southwest Fugitive Task Force. Abbott was wanted in Sandoval County, New Mexico, for first-degree attempted homicide and aggravated burglary involving a deadly weapon.
Paris Jackson was arrested on Jan. 31 in Buffalo, New York, by members of the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. Jackson was wanted in Buffalo for second-degree criminal in possession of a firearm and for shooting at an officer.
Gregory Kalvitz and Jessica Downing were arrested on Jan. 20 in Cleveland by members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. The two were wanted in Henry County, Ohio, for obstructing the custody warrant following the abduction of an 8-year-old girl, and fled.
Jermaine Westbrook was arrested on January. 26 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, by personnel of the U.S. Marshals Service Southern District of West Virginia, with assistance from members of the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team. Westbrook was wanted in Franklin County, Ohio, for murder, felony assault and parole violation.
Richard Nichols was arrested on Jan. 30 in Albion, Michigan, by members of the Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team. Nichols was sought by the Michigan State Police for assault with the intent to murder.
Gerard Parker was arrested on Jan. 26 in Harrison County, Mississippi, by members of the Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force. Parker was wanted in New Orleans for third-degree sexual assault and parole violations.
Aaron Payne was arrested on Jan. 18 in Kansas City, Missouri, by members of the Missouri Violent Fugitive Task Force. Payne was wanted in Tarrant County, Texas, for felony assault strangulation.
Antonio Jenkins was arrested on Jan. 13 in West Allis, Wisconsin, by members of the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. Jenkins was wanted in Milwaukee for numerous charges including first-degree reckless endangering safety, felon in possession of a firearm, battery, and sale/possess/use/transport of a machine gun.
Michael Nguyen was arrested on Jan. 11 in Oakland, California, by members of the Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force. Nguyen was wanted by the police in Oakland for possessing illegal weapons as well as manufacturing weapons in violation of law and for firing firearms.
Edwin Padilla Lopez was arrested on February. 3 in Carolina, Puerto Rico, by members of the Puerto Rico Violent Offender Task Force and Puerto Rico Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. Padilla-Lopez was wanted in District of Puerto Rico for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in the municipalities of Caguas, Cidra, and Aguas Buenas.
The idea that underlies interagency law enforcement operations such as ONS II evolved largely from regional and district task forces. Since the 1980s, the U.S. Marshals Service has combined their resources and experience together with state, local and federal agencies to find and apprehend dangerous criminals.