Indianapolis, IN – 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 16 – 27. Led by the U.S. Marshals, Operation FALCON 2008 netted 333 arrests within the Southern District of Indiana.

Operation FALCON has combined the collective efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies in one of the area’s largest-ever fugitive initiatives, focusing on capturing individuals wanted on felony charges including sexual predators and fugitives wanted for crimes of violence. Over the course of the operation, Deputy U.S. Marshals, teamed with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to track down and arrest violent fugitives. Of the arrests, 37 were sex offenders.

Jerrold Fuqua was a fugitive wanted out of Miller County, Arkansas for petition for revocation with a charge of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. A team of Deputy U.S. Marshals, with fellow law enforcement officers, arrested Fuqua on June 19 in Evansville, Indiana. During this arrest, officers seized 100 lbs. of marijuana, 2.3 grams of cocaine, $17,000.00 cash, and a bulletproof vest.

“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 is not possible without the unique talents and dedication that each participating agency brings to the table.”

Operation FALCON – Indianapolis consisted of approximately 60 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers working throughout the 12 day period. Each participating local officer was sworn in as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal 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.

Agencies contributing to Operation FALCON – Indianapolis were the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Department, Vigo County Sheriff’s Department, Marion County Probation, Indiana State Police, Greenwood Police Department, Noblesville Police Department, Evansville Police Department, Indiana Department of Corrections, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, and Housing and Urban Development – Office of the Inspector General.

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.

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

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