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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
FOR INFORMATION
CONTACT: |
April 29, 2008 |
Corey Britt, Deputy United States
Marshal
Lafayette, Louisiana (337) 262-6792 |
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Houston Fugitive Wanted for Aggravated Sexual
Assault Captured in Lafayette |
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Ernest Patrick, a twenty-five year old Houston
man was arrested last night at 232 Van Buren, Lafayette, LA. Patrick was
Wanted by Harris County (Houston) for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
under fourteen years of age. Patrick was staying with friends in an effort
to avoid detection.
Members of the Western District of Louisiana’s Task Force received
information late yesterday afternoon about Patrick being in the Lafayette
area. A joint investigation began with resources utilized from the following
agencies: U.S. Marshals, Lafayette City Marshals, Lafayette Police, and
Broussard Police. After various investigative techniques were used,
investigators believed there was a strong probability that Patrick was
staying at 232 Van Buren. Officers approached the residence and Patrick
attempted to flee over a fence, but was promptly arrested. Marijuana was
seized and Patrick was booked into the Lafayette Parish Jail with local
charges related to the Marijuana Possession as well as the Aggravated Sexual
Assault charge where Patrick will likely be extradited back to Texas.
William Whittington, United States Marshal for the Western District of
Louisiana said, “The coordinated effort of all law enforcement to bring
dangerous criminals to justice ensures that the streets and neighborhoods of
Louisiana are a safer place to raise our children.”
Annually, investigations carried out by the U.S. Marshals result in the
apprehension of approximately 34,000 federal fugitives. More federal
fugitives are arrested by Marshals than all other federal agencies combined.
The Western District of Louisiana’s Task Force is a team comprised of law
enforcement officers from agencies throughout the Western part of Louisiana
(Shreveport, Monroe, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Opelousas, and Lafayette).
The task force objective is to seek out and arrest federal, state, and local
fugitives, mainly those with violent criminal histories to include sex
offenders. Last year, U.S. Marshals task forces arrested more than 27,000
state and local fugitives on felony charges.
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals can be found at
http://www.usmarshals.gov. |
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