FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: April 29, 2008 Corey Britt, Deputy United States Marshal Lafayette, Louisiana (337) 262-6792   Houston Fugitive Wanted for Aggravated Sexual Assault Captured in Lafayette   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.