Clarksburg, WV – Following a four-year tradition of success in its national efforts, the U.S. Marshals Service, with assistance of its law enforcement partners conducted another successful Operation FALCON (Federal And Local Cops Organized Nationally) from June 22-28. Led by the U.S. Marshals Service, Operation FALCON 2008 netted 140 arrests in the Northern District of West Virginia.

Noteworthy arrests include:

Galen Winton, 36, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA and a resident of Star City, WV currently a fugitive on pending charges related to alleged possession with intent to deliver heroin and cocaine was taken into custody. At the time of his arrest, Winton was in possession of a revolver, which had previously been reported as stolen. Also arrested with Winton was Charbet Knox, 22, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA with charges related to alleged possession with intent to deliver heroin and cocaine.

Operation FALCON combined the collective efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies in one of this areas largest-ever fugitive initiatives, focusing on the capture of individuals wanted on felony charges including sexual predators, drug traffickers and other violent offenders. Over the course of the seven- day operation U.S. Marshal-led Fugitive Task Forces physically arrested 140 fugitives and cleared 273 warrants.

Representatives from approximately 20 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies made up the arrest teams working throughout the seven-day period. Each participating officer was sworn in as a Special Deputy United States Marshal prior to commencement of this operation. This special authority empowers members to cross traditional lines of jurisdiction to track down and arrest targeted fugitives throughout the week long operation.

Presently two ad hoc Fugitive Task Forces are operational within the Northern District of West Virginia. The Mountain State Fugitive Task Force, located in North Central West Virginia, operates primarily within Monongalia, Marion, Lewis, and Harrison counties, and accounted for 79 arrests and 167 warrants cleared. The United Fugitive Apprehension Posse operates in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle primarily in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties, and accounted for 61 arrests and 106 warrants cleared. Recently efforts have been initiated and memorandums of understanding executed which will soon establish a third ad hoc Fugitive Task Force to be located in the West Virginia Northern Panhandle Region.

“The cooperation exhibited by our partner agencies during this week’s fugitive round-up is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of West Virginia’s law enforcement agencies. Our citizens can be proud of these officers and their accomplishments” said U.S. Marshal J.C. Raffety.

Agencies participating in Operation FALCON 2008 were the West Virginia State Police, Clarksburg Police Department, Bridgeport Police Department, Fairmont Police Department, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Morgantown Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, West Virginia Department of Corrections/Parole Office, Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, Charles Town Police Department, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, Harpers Ferry/Bolivar Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Martinsburg Police Department, Ranson Police Department, Shepherdstown Police Department, United States Diplomatic Security Service of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and United States Marshals Service.

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

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

 

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