Fugitives apprehended in county during Operation FALCON

By Brad Kellar
Journal Staff

July 10, 2008 04:25 pm

— More a dozen wanted fugitives, including several sex offenders, have been arrested across Hunt County as part of a multi-state sweep by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
The Commerce Police Department and Hunt County Sheriff’s Office joined with other area agencies, the Dallas Fort Worth Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (DFW FAST) and the U.S. Marshals Service in assisting with the execution of Operation FALCON (Federal And Local Cops Organized Nationally) between June 24 and 30.
The main focus of Operation FALCON - North Texas was capturing individuals wanted on felony charges including sexual predators and fugitives wanted for crimes of violence. Utilizing the Marshals Service District Task Force. Organizers said the mission was the most successful FALCON thus far in the North Texas area. Over the course of the seven-day operation, Deputy U.S. Marshals, teamed with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, arrested 444 fugitives and cleared 573 felony warrants.
In Hunt County, the Commerce and Greenville Police Departments and the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office made 14 arrests, which resulted in 17 charges being filed and the clearing of 11 felony cases. Five of the individuals arrested were charged with sex offenses or were already registered sex offenders.
“While the Marshals are often the public face of Operation FALCON, we have been extremely fortunate that all of our federal, state and local partners continue to wholeheartedly and enthusiastically come together to make this work,” said John F. Clark, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. “With their exceptional assistance, Operation FALCON continues to be the largest and most successful fugitive apprehension effort in U.S. Marshals history.”
Since its inception in 2005, Operation FALCON has made over 54,500 arrests and cleared over 68,800 warrants. It continues to be the largest and most successful fugitive apprehension effort in U.S. Marshals history.
Other area agencies participating in the operation included the Kaufman and Rockwall County sheriff’s offices, the Rowlett and Terrell Police Departments and the Kaufman County Constable’s and District Attorney’s offices.