Green was wanted for his June 19, 2000, escape from the Federal Correctional Institution in Elkton, Ohio, where he was serving a 235-month sentence for cocaine distribution. He also was wanted for possession of a machine gun by the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia. Prior to his escape, authorities believe he conditioned himself by running four to six miles a day and weaned himself off of diabetic medication in anticipation of his run from justice.

The television show America’s Most Wanted profiled Green three times over the years, most recently last month. Many tips were received as a result of these airings and followed-up by U.S. Marshals investigators.

The U.S. Marshals - Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force in Orlando received a request on Monday from the U.S. Marshals office in Cleveland based upon information provided by a tipster to America’s Most Wanted. This tip proved to be the end of Green’s run as he was located and taken into custody. Green will appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge today in the Middle District of Florida for his initial appearance to answer to the charge of escape.

“This case demonstrates how the U.S. Marshals capabilities to bring fugitives to justice are enhanced when concerned citizens step up and provide valuable information,” said John F. Clark, Director of the United States Marshals Service. “Working together, we made a difference.”

Associates describe Green as a violent man, who ruled his Cleveland crime network by intimidation, and viewed himself as “the general of his army.” He used family vacation trips as a cover for transporting drugs, and was known for waking up his children with a stun gun. During the 1980s and ‘90s, Green flooded Cleveland with millions of dollars of cocaine.

“Daddy Dave” Green reputedly used a stun gun on his children and an iron fist with his narcotics distribution ring. Less than a month ago, this violent drug kingpin and escaped federal prisoner scored a spot on the United States Marshals famed “15 Most Wanted” fugitives list and yesterday he was captured.

“The persistence and determination of the Deputy U.S. Marshals working this case was second to none. This proves that we never stop hunting those who evade justice. A great thanks is deserved to all that assisted: in the media, the public and all the Deputy U.S. Marshals that would not let this case rest!” said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott, Northern District of Ohio.

Green has been on the most wanted fugitive list in northern Ohio for two years. Due to the special notoriety of this case, the Outdoor Advertising Association of America posted Green’s wanted posters on highway billboards across the nation.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the U.S. Marshals “15 Most Wanted” fugitive list. During that time, 199 of 212 fugitives on the list have been found, leading to the convictions of some of the nation’s most violent felons.

For more information, see the U.S. Marshals Web site: www.usmarshals.gov.

  Original News Release