FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: October 30, 2008 Mark A. Gunnoe, Deputy U.S. Marshal Public Affairs Officer (504) 589-3156   U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force Arrest Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office “Top 100 Most Wanted” Rape Suspect Victor Jesus Gonzales After 23 Years On The Run   On October 30, 2008, members of the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force (FRFTF) arrested Victor Jesus Gonzales, 49, at a residence in the 1000 block of 18th Street, Hialeah, Florida. Detectives with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) allege that in July, 1985 Victor Gonzales committed the act of Aggravated Rape in Gretna, Louisiana, while holding his victim at gunpoint. Gonzales was alleged to have fled the New Orleans Metro area immediately after committing this crime and has remained on the run for 23 years. The fugitive investigation of Gonzales was adopted by the U.S. Marshals Service Crescent Star Fugitive Task Force (CSFTF) in January 2008. Gonzales who was on the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Top 100 Most Wanted Fugitives list, fell into the narrowed focus of the (CSFTF) members efforts during “Operation Guardian” a collaborative effort implemented by the U.S. Marshals Service (CSFTF) and local law enforcement agencies, intended to target violent sexual predators within the New Orleans Metro area. Task Force members developed information that Gonzales was residing in the south Florida area and sent this lead to the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force. (FRFTF) members immediately located Gonzales and arrested him. Gonzales was booked into the Dade County Jail where he awaits extradition. U.S. Marshal Michael Credo stated, “We are very pleased to finally bring this fugitive to justice after 23 long years on the run. The victim and family can now rest knowing that the suspect will face a jury of his peers. This proves that offenders cannot leave our state to find safe harbor.” The U.S. Marshals Service EDLA sponsored CSFTF established itself in 1999 and is currently receiving extra support from the U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Department of Justice to fight post Hurricane Katrina violent crime and locate sexual predators in the New Orleans metro area. Current CSFTF members include the New Orleans Police Department, the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana Probation and Parole, U.S. Border Patrol and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Other New Orleans metro area law enforcement agencies participating on a case by case basis include: Bogalusa Police Department, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Social Security OIG . For more information on the U.S. Marshals EDLA CSFTF go to www.usmarshals.gov/district/la-e/news/index.html.