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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