FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: April 16, 2008 Deputy Matt Hershey, Public Information Officer (602) 920-4841   Over 200 Fugitives Arrested During Valley-Wide Round-Up   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.