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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: |
April 16, 2008 |
Deputy Matt Hershey, Public Information
Officer
(602) 920-4841 |
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Over 200 Fugitives Arrested During
Valley-Wide Round-Up |
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Phoenix, AZ -
From April 7-11, Phoenix valley law enforcement partners collaborated on
“Operation Justice”, a one week fugitive round-up in honor of “National
Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Operation Justice netted valley law enforcement
partners 236 fugitives wanted throughout Maricopa County. In addition to
arresting these fugitives, 16 weapons were taken off the streets and 1
missing juvenile was found.
The U.S. Marshals Service in the District of Arizona coordinated this effort
to coincide with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week which is observed the
week of April 13-19, 2008. Since 1981, the Department of Justice’s Office
for Victims of Crime has observed and assisted communities in promoting
victims’ rights and to honor crime victims and those that advocate on their
behalf. The vast majority of victims of violent crimes have no voice. During
this week long operation law enforcement officers across the valley were
their voice.
“One fundamental responsibility of the law enforcement community is to
aggressively pursue fugitives who have victimized the citizens of its
communities,” said David Gonzales, U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona.
“After this week, it should be known throughout the Valley that those who
victimize the citizens in our community will be aggressively pursued.”
Of the 236 fugitives arrested, 5 were wanted for sexual offenses. Lawrence
Cox, 59, was arrested by Operation Justice Task Force Members for being a
Parolee-at-Large from the state of California. Cox, a convicted sex offender
and sexually violent predator, was arrested as he prepared to go to work as
a ride operator at the Maricopa County Fair. Cox was convicted in the 1980’s
after he had sexual relations with an 8 and 10 year-old females. Cox has
consistently failed to register as a sex offender and now may face federal
charges for violating the Adam Walsh Act.
Numerous fugitives targeted during this operation were wanted for drug and
weapons offenses. One of those arrested was Mario Hernandez, 31, of
Avondale. Hernandez was arrested after officers found approximately 3 lbs of
Marijuana, 1 shotgun, 1 pistol, and various pieces of drug paraphernalia.
Hernandez is suspected of Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and
Misconduct with Weapons.
“Operation Justice was a successful collaborative initiative which will
bring closure to many open investigations and begin the process of healing
for victims of crime. We are grateful to the community and our valley law
enforcement partners for the support in this endeavor”, stated Fidencio
Rivera, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal.
Operation Justice involved over 100 law enforcement officers from 22
contributing agencies throughout Maricopa County. Operation Justice
Commander Rick Taylor added, “Criminals cannot defeat collaborative and
networked policing.” The agencies involved in the operation were the U.S.
Marshals Service, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Avondale Police
Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona Attorney Generals
Office, Chandler Police Department, Department of Homeland Security-TSA
Office of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of
Investigation, Gilbert Police Department, Glendale Police Department,
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Maricopa County Adult Probation,
Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Mesa
Police Department, Phoenix Police Department, Scottsdale Police Department,
Surprise Police Department, Tempe Police Department, Veterans
Administration-Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Attorney’s
Office.
For further information about the U.S. Marshals:
www.usmarshals.gov.
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