Cincinnati, OH – Following a four-year tradition of success in its national efforts, the U.S. Marshals Service locally conducted another successful Operation FALCON (Federal and Local Cops Organized Nationally) June 2-7, 2008. Led by the U.S. Marshal Service in Cincinnati, Operation FALCON combined the collective efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies in one of the area’s largest-ever fugitive initiatives, focusing on capturing individuals wanted on felony charges including sexual predators and fugitives wanted for crimes of violence.

Operation FALCON 2008 combined the collective efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies in one of the area’s largest-ever fugitive initiatives, focusing on capturing individuals wanted on felony charges specifically sexual predators and fugitives wanted for crimes of violence and those with narcotics violations in their history.

The U.S. Marshals, teamed with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the Greater Cincinnati area, arrested 72 fugitives and cleared 133 warrants during Operation FALCON 2008 - Cincinnati.

“Yet again, Operation FALCON has accomplished significant goals for both the Greater Cincinnati area and law enforcement personnel,” said James M. Wahlrab, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Ohio. “The concentrated efforts of these multiple agencies have resulted in the apprehension of the most violent fugitives in the community. I am confident the success of Operation FALCON has had a major impact, and I look forward to similar future combined law enforcement efforts.”

Toshawn Sims, 27, had two warrants for capital murder and robbery out of Kenton County, Kentucky. Law enforcement officers located Sims June 5 at a residence in Cincinnati. Sims was waiting for a friend to drop by and give him money for a bus ticket out of town. Officers persuaded Sims to answer the door by posing as the friend who was to give him the money. Sims tried to escape through a rear door but was apprehended by deputies before he could leave. Sims was wanted for the alleged 2006 murder of Michael Kidd in Covington. Sims allegedly robbed Michael Kidd and then murdered him. Sims is currently facing the death penalty in Kentucky.

Charles Allen, 23, had three warrants for robbery, telecommunications fraud, and a probation violation in Hamilton County. On June 6 law enforcement officers arrested him at a family member’s residence. Allen was hiding in the closet when officers found him. Allen is also wanted by Hamilton County in questioning for a series of pharmacy burglaries.

Murrie Conley, 46, had a warrant for failing to register as a Sex Offender in Butler County. On June 7, law enforcement officers arrested Conley at a residence in Middletown. Conley had been on the run for over two months.

“This unified effort led by the Marshals Service pays off for all of us in southern Ohio,” U.S. Attorney Gregory Lockhart said. “A concentrated effort by law enforcement to remove the worst of the worst is one of the most effective crime-fighting tools we can use to build safer communities.”

Twenty-two local, state and federal agencies in the Greater Cincinnati area participated in the operation. Over 45 law enforcement officers and agents who were not Deputy U.S. Marshals were sworn in as Special Deputy U.S. Marshals. This swearing in, conducted by U.S. Marshal Wahlrab, gave the participants federal arrest authority for the duration of the operation and empowered them to cross traditional lines of jurisdiction to track down and arrest targeted fugitives throughout the week.

The supporting and participating agencies in the Cincinnati area included:

Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, Cincinnati Police Department, Blue Ash Police Department, Forest Park Police Department, Lockland Police Department, Norwood Police Department, Oxford Police Department, Springfield Township Police Department, West Chester Police Department, Ohio State Adult Parole Authority, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S. Secret Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Social Security Administration, Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force based out of Chicago, Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.

Since its inception in 2005, Operation FALCON has made over 36,500 arrests and cleared over 45,300 warrants. It continues to be the largest and most successful fugitive apprehension effort in U.S. Marshals history.

For more information about the U.S. Marshals Service, visit http://www.usmarshals.gov
 

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