The U.S. Marshals Service has concluded Operation North Star II (ONS II) which was a high-impact fugitive apprehension initiative focused on tackling violent crime in 10 cities with an increase in homicides and shootings.
The initiative lasted 30 days and led to the arrest of 833 of fugitives as well as violent criminals, sexual offenders, and self-identified gang members 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 people who were wanted for the most serious, violent and dangerous crimes, including homicide or sexual assault forcibly or robbery, as well as aggravated assault. ONS II investigators prioritized their efforts to identify those who were using firearms in their crimes, or who exhibited risks that were associated with 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 leaders as well as law enforcement officials across the country to protect our communities.”
“The U.S. Marshals Service remains steadfast in its dedication to supporting police as well as community leaders of all levels to fight violent crime,” declared Director Ronald Davis of the U.S. Marshals Service. “The achievement of ONS II is based on its laser concentration on the most significant factors that cause violence. We are certain that catching these offenders will bring some degree of justice for their victims. It will contribute to the overall reduction of violence in every city and, hopefully, bring a degree of justice for their victims.”
Throughout the month of January in the United States, the U.S. Marshals Service used its broad arrest authority and task force network to arrest suspects wanted on charges that included 95 for homicide as well as 68 who were charged with sexual assault. In addition, investigators have seized 181 guns plus more than $229,000 of currency, and more than 160 kilograms of illegal drug use.
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 an armed weapon that was deadly.
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 weapon and for shooting at an officer.
Gregory Kalvitz and Jessica Downing were detained on Jan. 20 in Cleveland by members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. They were wanted in Henry County, Ohio, for interfering with a custody warrant after taking an 8-year-old girl and fleeing.
Jermaine Westbrook was detained on Jan. 26 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, by a team 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, as well as 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 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 criminal 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 in Oakland for possession of illegal weapons and weapons, manufacturing illegally, and for firing firearms.
Edwin Padilla-Lopez was detained on February. 3 in Carolina, Puerto Rico, by members of the Puerto Rico Violent Offender Task Force and the 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 cities of Caguas, Cidra, and Aguas Buenas.
The concept behind interagency law enforcement agencies such as ONS II evolved largely from districts and regional task forces. Since the 1980s, the U.S. Marshals Service has combined their resources and experience together with state, local as well as federal agencies in order to track and apprehend dangerous fugitives.
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