FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT: |
July 14, 2007 |
Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task
Force
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott, (216) 276-5855 |
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Fugitive Safe Surrender Offers 1st
Step at a Second Chance
for Over 1,120 Fugitives in Akron, Ohio |
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The House of the Lord Church in Akron,
OH opened its doors for four days to 1,120 fugitives: one of the
largest surrender totals recorded in the program’s three year
history. Fugitive Safe Surrender is a
powerful new initiative that encourages persons wanted for felony or
misdemeanor crimes to voluntarily surrender to the law in a
faith-based location. The House of the Lord church opened its doors
at 9:00 AM Wednesday, July 11 and had fugitives eagerly waiting
outside the doors for their first step at a second chance. On the
last day, over 600 individuals surrendered.
Fugitive Christian Smith has been on the run since 2000 and wanted
for drug violations. Smith is currently employed working in a great
position with a large company and walked into the doors of the House
of the Lord after driving over ten hours from Atlanta, GA. Smith’s
fiancé traveled from Cleveland on July 13, 2007 to Atlanta, GA with
the idea of returning her fiancé back to Akron in hopes that she
could end his fugitive life. Smith noted “I have not been able to
sleep since 2000, now that I am clear, I know I can rest.” Three
hours after Smith walked into the House of the Lord, he exited with
a new life and a clean record.
“This is only of one of hundreds of great stories I have heard over
the past 4 days, said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott who created the
Fugitive Safe Surrender program. “Fugitive Safe Surrender opens
doors for fugitives who think that there is no door to open.” “The
opportunity for fugitives to surrender peacefully creates a winning
solution for law enforcement, the families of the fugitive and the
community.”
On Friday July 13, 2007, Fugitive Safe Surrender celebrated its
3000th person surrendering peacefully and voluntarily in its
national program. Akron is the fourth city that Fugitive Safe
Surrender has targeted in an attempt to clear the court system of
outstanding warrants. “This national program helps stop the madness
that runs rampant through our community. I have counseled hundreds
over the last four days who have walked through our church’s doors
with the hope of getting that second chance at life,” stated Bishop
Joey Johnson.
Fugitive Safe Surrender will be moving nationally targeting
Nashville, TN in the near future. Nashville, TN has over 38,000
outstanding warrants. U.S. Marshal Denny King, Middle District of
Tennessee, stated “we are working diligently with our local and
state partners to make Fugitive Safe Surrender a success in
Nashville.”
The final statistics for Akron’s Fugitive Safe Surrender will be
made available through the United States Marshals Service at a later
date. |
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