U.S. Marshals Capture Wanted Fugitive

San Francisco, CA - United States Marshal Federico L. Rocha of the Northern District of California announces that on October 9th, 2007, the U.S. Marshals Service’s Northern California Fugitive Task Force (NCFTF) and North Carolina Task Force (NCTF) have captured North Carolina state fugitive Howard Kenneth Childress.

Howard Childress was wanted out of Bladen County, North Carolina on warrants for Statutory Rape on minor, indecent liberties with a child, and crimes against nature.

Through investigative techniques it was determined that Howard Childress’ girlfriend and daughter would be traveling to see him in the San Francisco area on 10/09/07.

On 10/09/07, NCFTF officers conducted surveillance on Childress’ girlfriend from San Francisco International Airport to 3200 block of Santa Paula Way, Union City, CA. While positioned outside the residence, NCFTF officers noticed an individual inside the home opening the living room curtains, peering out, then immediately closing them. Shortly, the front door was opened by an individual matching Childress’ description who remained in the doorway, while three occupants entered the home.

That same evening, at approximately 11:45pm, the garage door at 3276 Santa Paula Way opened and Howard Childress exited the garage and walked outside to retrieve items from a vehicle in the driveway. The subject was identified by task force members as Howard Childress. NCFTF approached Childress and identified themselves, and ordered him to lie down on the ground. NCFTF officers assisted Childress to the ground and placed him in custody without further incident. Childress was then transported and booked into Alameda County Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, CA., where he awaits extradition back to Bladen County, NC.

Annually, investigations carried out by the U.S. Marshals result in the apprehension of approximately 34,000 federal fugitives. More federal fugitives are arrested by Marshals than all other federal agencies combined. Last year, U.S. Marshals task forces arrested more than 27,000 state and local fugitives on felony charges.

For additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service visit our website: http://www.usmarshals.gov.