U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force Captures Felons Hiding on Emerald Coast

DESTIN, FL -The U.S. Marshals North Florida Violent Fugitive Task Force apprehended two felons in the last 24 hours; one wanted in Detroit and the other who was being sought in Okaloosa County. Paul Donald Duff, 33, wanted for violating his federal probation in Detroit was captured yesterday afternoon by the Marshals and task force deputies from Okaloosa and Escambia Counties. It was in the Motel 6 parking lot where the task force apprehended Duff after he exited the motel room they had under surveillance. Duff and an unidentified female were attempting to leave in a vehicle when the deputies, aided by Okaloosa County Patrol Deputies blocked them in and arrested Duff without further incident. While trying to locate Duff, members of the task force discovered that the room he was renting was rented in the name of another person, Eric Todd Young, who was wanted for multiple felony counts of passing bad checks in Okaloosa County. The task force had learned that Young, 34, liked to hang out at the beach by the boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. Then today at 1:30, once again while conducting surveillance, the task force, including its members from Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office as well; apprehended Young after a car that he was a passenger in actually parked next to the vehicle being used for surveillance in the parking lot of the boardwalk. Deputies immediately recognized Young and arrested him without incident.

Duff was brought to the Santa Rosa County Jail and was brought before a federal magistrate judge today. He was held while he awaits extradition back to Michigan. Young was transported to Shalimar and booked then brought to the Okaloosa County Jail.