For Immediate Release

Western District of Arkansas

Susan Jones, RVTF Task Force Commander

479-650-2764

USMS Headquarters Public Affairs (202) 307-9065

River Valley Task Force Arrests Rape Suspect

Fort Smith, Arkansas - The U.S. Marshals and Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, a member of the River Valley Sex Offender and Violent Crime Task Force, announce the arrest of Donald Dwyer, age 32.  At approximately 12:30 a.m. on April 8, 2009, the River Valley Task Force developed information indicating Dwyer, wanted for 2 counts of rape on a minor, was in Fort Smith.  By 2 p.m. the same day, Dwyer was in custody along with his girlfriend Heather Kissler, age 29, after being located at his cousins residence in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Kissler was charged on site for Hindering Apprehension and Obstruction of Government Operations by providing false statements to law enforcement about the whereabouts of Dwyer.

On April 8, 2009, Task Force members along with Fort Smith Police Department Detectives and members of the Fort Smith Police Department Street Crimes Unit arrived at the residence thought to be where Dwyer was residing.  Task Force members located and set up surveillance on a residence believed to be occupied by Dwyer.  Members of the Task Force observed Kissler entering the residence.  After approximately 30 minutes of surveillance members of the River Valley Task Force and the Fort Smith Criminal Investigations Division approached the residence as Kissler was exiting the front door.  Kissler turned and ran into the residence as officers surrounded the house.  A short time later both Kissler and Dwyer were taken into custody without incident.  Without the joint efforts of the River Valley Task Force and Fort Smith Criminal Investigations Division, Dwyer would not be in custody.  

According to Deputy U. S. Marshal Susan Jones, “The RVTF Sex Offender & Violent Crime Task Force continues to make sex offenses and violent crimes a primary enforcement target.”

The River Valley Sex Offender and Violent Crime Task Force are comprised of the U.S. Marshals Service, Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, Sebastian and Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, as well as Van Buren and Alma Police Departments.  The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office continues to manage the Federal grant that funds the Task Force.

Every year, the U.S. Marshals and its associated Task Forces throughout the country arrest more fugitives than all federal law enforcement agencies combined.  Last year, this number was more than 73,000 state and local fugitives and more than 36,000 federal fugitives.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.