Montgomery, AL – The 23 counties that make up the Middle District of Alabama are much safer this week as local state and federal law enforcement joined forces for a week-long fugitive apprehension effort June 16 and by the time the week was over, 198 fugitives had been arrested and 237 warrants cleared.

Operation FALCON 2008, the fifth in the series of U.S. Marshals Service-led fugitive apprehension initiatives partnered Deputy U.S. Marshals with local police, sheriffs, state troopers and other federal agencies, each dedicating personnel and resources to the goal of removing as many violent offenders from our streets and communities as possible while clearing backlogged warrants from law enforcement’s files.

The successful partnership has been bad news for criminals for the past four years as law enforcement joined together with community safety and crime reduction as a common goal, capturing over 36,500 fugitives and over 45,300 warrants were cleared during the past four years.

Arrests in the Middle District of Alabama targeted fugitives wanted for crimes of violence, sex offenders, and narcotics violations. Participating agencies were encouraged to identify wanted persons within their communities, who were then targeted by assigned arrest teams within each geographical area.

“The success of Operation FALCON 2008 here in our district and nationwide is the coming together of all levels of law enforcement,” said U.S. Marshal Jesse Seroyer. “When law enforcement agencies combine their resources, the greater good of society always comes out on top. I can’t say enough about the hard work and dedication of all of the men and women involved in this operation. They began their day early and stayed late to make this operation a success. At the end of the week everyone went home safe and 198 fugitives were arrested. That’s a tribute to the hard work and preparation that went into this operation. While this operation lasted for one week, we will continue to work with our state and local partners to take these fugitives off the streets. As this operation clearly shows we can make our communities a safer place when we work together.”

For more information about Operation FALCON, visit http://www.usmarshals.gov/falcon08/media.htm.

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