Greensboro, N.C. – 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 15-21. Led by the U.S. Marshal, Operation FALCON 2008 netted 118 arrests within the Middle District of N.C.

Operation FALCON – M/NC 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 seven-day operation, Deputy U.S. Marshals, teamed with other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, arrested 118 fugitives, including one homicide suspect, eight sex offenders, and cleared 253 warrants in M/NC.

Jonathan Newell, the homicide suspect, was wanted by the Greensboro Police Department for the alleged murder of Regan Bailey whose body was found in her home on Jan. 14. A team of Deputy U.S. Marshals and Greensboro Police officers arrested Newell June 17 on Lovette Street in Greensboro.

“From the outset, Operation FALCON has proven 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 operation is not possible without the unique talents and dedication that each participating agency brings to the table.”

Operation FALCON – M/NC consisted of approximately 170 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, making up five separate arrest teams working throughout the seven-day period. Each participating local officer was sworn in as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal immediately 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.

“The cooperation and enthusiasm of law enforcement agencies in the Middle District of North Carolina has always been phenomenal,” said U.S. Marshal Harlon Costner. “We are facing new challenges in Law Enforcement and must always adapt to overcome sometimes overwhelming odds when faced with the criminal element that places our communities in danger. This effort utilized the many resources of our federal, state and local partners, and I believe we have demonstrated that law enforcement at all levels is dedicated to a safer community locally and throughout the nation. The tremendous success of this operation was achieved only through this level of multi-jurisdictional cooperation.”

Agencies contributing to Operation FALCON-M/NC were the NC State Highway Patrol, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, Alamance County Sheriff’s Office, Durham County Sheriff’s Office, Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, Durham Police Department, Greensboro Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Winston-Salem Police Department, NC Probation and Parole, US Immigration/Customs Enforcement.

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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