Hampton Roads, VA – Following a four-year tradition of success in its national efforts, the U.S. Marshals Service locally conducted another successful Operation FALCON (Federal and Local Cops Organized Nationally) from June 9-13. Led by the U.S. Marshals Service, Operation FALCON 2008 targeted fugitives throughout the Hampton Roads area.

Operation FALCON 2008 in the Hampton Roads area combined the collective efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies in one of the area’s largest-ever fugitive initiatives. Over the course of the five-day operation, Deputy U.S. Marshals, teamed with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, arrested 187 fugitives.

“Operation FALCON in the Hampton Roads area exceeded our expectations. It was a highly successful operation getting criminals off the streets with minimal costs, while reinforcing close knit ties with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners,” said John R. Hackman, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia. “I am confident that this operation has had an impact on the safety and security of our community, and I look forward to similar combined law enforcement efforts.”

Anthony Scott was a fugitive wanted by the Norfolk Police Department. It is alleged that Scott was involved in a drug related shooting and wanted on charges of malicious wounding, attempted robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Scott was believed to be a gang member affiliated with the Bloods. Scott had avoided capture and became a target of FALCON earlier this month. On June 11, a team of Deputy U.S. Marshals, along with fellow law enforcement officers, arrested Scott in Norfolk after an extensive investigation and surveillance.

Kristofer Sykes also became a FALCON target after being identified as a suspect in a number of commercial robberies in the city of Norfolk. Robbery detectives worked closely with FALCON investigators during the operation to locate and arrest Sykes. The hard work of the teams culminated with the arrest of the fugitive Monday morning in Virginia Beach.

“From the outset, Operation FALCON has proved how much can be accomplished when we combine resources at the federal, state and local levels,” said John F. Clark, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. “This operation is not possible without the unique talents and dedication that each participating agency brings to the table.”

FALCON 2008 in Hampton Roads consisted of over 60 federal, state and local law enforcement officers creating 14 separate arrest teams working throughout the five-day period. Each participating local officer was sworn in as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal immediately prior to the start of this operation. This special authority empowered them to cross traditional lines of jurisdiction to track down and arrest targeted fugitives throughout the week.

Operation FALCON in the Hampton Roads area consisted of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Chesapeake Police Department, Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Housing and Urban Development OIG, Newport News Police Department, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Norfolk Police Department , Portsmouth Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard CID, U.S. Postal Inspectors, and the Virginia State Police.

Since its inception in 2005, Operation FALCON has made over 36,500 arrests and cleared over 45,300 warrants. It continues to be the largest and most successful fugitive apprehension effort in U.S. Marshals history.

Media can find more information on Operation FALCON at http://www.usmarshals.gov/falcon08/media.htm
 

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