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For Immediate Release

 Contact:
April 15, 2009

David Travis, Supervisory Deputy Marshal    214-767-6700                             

Trent Touchstone, Assistant Chief Deputy  214-767-0837  USMS Headquarters Public Affairs (202) 307-9065

Operation Rain Focuses on Sex Offenders
DFW Task Force LogoIn December of 2008, the United States Marshals DFW FAST initiated “Operation Rain” focusing on sex offenders, specifically those involved in sexual crimes against children as well as non-registered sex offenders that could be prosecuted under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act.  “Operation Rain” , which stands for Research, Arrest, Indict, Now was divided into two phases. DFW FAST “Researched” numerous felony warrants and during Phase I identified sex offenders wanted by various agencies within the Dallas & Fort Worth area.  On December 9, 2008, task force officers conducted an intensive three day enforcement effort to kick off the operation “Arresting” 34 of the initially identified offenders. 

 

Once Phase I ended on December 11, Phase II immediately began operating until the end of March. Phase II focused on locating and arresting the subjects that were identified as having committed very egregious offenses not captured during Phase I, as well as others with lengthy sex offender criminal histories, and/or those that may have fled the area. This resulted in the the Top 12 most wanted list, dubbed the “Dirty Dozen.” Resources focused on these and as one was arrested, another would be added to the Dirty Dozen list in order to maintain continuity. Deputies and strike team officers arrested a total of 12 “Dirty Dozen” targets clearing  17 warrants.  In addition to the “Dirty Dozen” arrests, during Phase II , DFW FAST located and arrested another 21 sex offenders.

During “Operation Rain,” one of the arrested individuals included a Dallas County Sheriffs Department Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive. William Owens, who has a history of sexual assault against a child, was arrested for failure to register as a sex offender, aggravated assault, and violation of the terms of his probation.  Task force officers also located and arrested Romeo Pellecer, wanted by the Mesquite PD for multiple counts of continual sexual assault on two victims occurring from 1997 to 2003.

The United States Marshals Service has presented a total of 7 cases to the United States Attorneys Office for potential prosecution, “Indictment”, under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act.  54, or 81% of the 67 subjects arrested were repeat sex offenders.

  • Subjects Arrested: 67 (54 were repeat sex offenders which is 81%)
  • Warrants Cleared by Arrest: 80
United States Marshal Randy P. Ely stated, “Congress, through the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, has entrusted the United States Marshals Service to work closely with local, state and federal agencies in an effort to protect the most innocent among us from being victimized by sex offenders. It is believed that by acting “Now” through strategic enforcement programs, such as “Operation Rain”, it will continue to demonstrate our collective efforts to carry out that mission.

For more information about DFW FAST:

http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/tx-n/taskforces/index.html