1994 Escapee from
FCI Estill Captured in Texas
Columbia, SC -
Martin Garcia-Gonzalez was apprehended late Monday night in Edinburg,
Texas as he attempted to run out the back door of his mobile home.
Garcia-Gonzalez was the subject of a 1994 federal warrant charging
him with escape from FCI Estill. Garcia-Gonzalez’s trail had gone
cold for almost 13 years before deputy marshals in South Carolina
picked it up in Florida late last year. Deputy marshals in Florida
were able to develop information that Garcia-Gonzalez had moved to
Texas. That information was forwarded to deputy marshals in McAllen,
Texas who quickly located and apprehended him.
In announcing
Garcia-Gonzalez’s apprehension, United States Marshal Johnny Mack
Brown said, “It is often very difficult to locate someone who has
been on the run for so long. My deputies tracked down many leads
over the years before finally developing the information that led to
his apprehension. It was a determined effort and we appreciate very
much the assistance of deputy marshals in Florida and Texas. The
charges in the warrant are merely accusations unless and until
Garcia-Gonzalez is proven guilty, but now he will face judicial
proceedings to make that determination.”
Established in 1789, the
United States Marshals Service is the nation’s oldest federal law
enforcement agency. In fiscal 2005, the Marshals arrested more than
35,500 federal fugitives, clearing 38,500 felony warrants. Marshals
Service-led task forces like South Carolina’s Operation Intercept
arrested 44,000 state and local fugitives, clearing 51,200 state and
local felony warrants. Locally, Operation Intercept arrested over
2,900 South Carolina fugitives during that same period. More
information about the Marshals and other South Carolina fugitives
can be found on the web at
www.usmarshals.gov. |