FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: November 03, 2008 Mark A. Gunnoe, Deputy U.S. Marshal Public Affairs Officer (504) 589-3156   U.S. Marshals Crescent Star Fugitive Task Force Focuses On Sex Offenders During “OPERATION GUARDIAN”   The U.S. Marshals Eastern District of Louisiana (EDLA) Crescent Star Fugitive Task Force (CSFTF) conducted “Operation Guardian” during the week of October 27th thru October 31st, 2008. Operation Guardian was a collaborative effort by local law enforcement agencies assigned to the Crescent Star Fugitive Task Force. The initiative’s main focus was locating violent sexual predators and non-compliant sex offenders in accordance with the mandate of the Adam Walsh Act of 2006. Operation Guardian combined the collective efforts of the New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Probation and Parole, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Border Patrol. Over the course of the five-day operation, there were 40 arrests made and 59 warrants cleared. The Task Force worked with the local television and print media outlets to highlight persons wanted for a myriad of sexual offenses. U.S. Marshal Michael Credo participated in several televison interviews with Ms. Darlene Cusanza, the Director of CrimeStoppers, directing their efforts at highlighting the New Orleans Metro area’s “Most Wanted Sex Offenders.” In addition, the Metropolitan Crime Commission sponsored a “Top 6 Most Wanted Sex Offender” photo spread in the local Times-Picayune newspaper, on Wednesday, October 29, 2008. Of the 40 individuals arrested during Operation Guardian, (6) were arrested for Rape, (1) for Sexual Assault, (2) for Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile,(1) for Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, (16) for Failure to Register as Sex Offenders, (2) wanted for Sex Offender Probation Violations, (2) for Incest, (1) for Crime Against Nature and (2) for Prostitution. During Operation Guardian two highlighted arrests were made on individuals wanted for violent sexual offenses. First, the arrest of Victor Gonzales 49, who was arrested 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. Gonzales was arrested in Florida by the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force based on information provided by the U.S. Marshals Crescent Star Fugitive Task Force. Second, the arrest of Dallas Clements 70 years of age in San Leandro, California. Detectives with the New Orleans Police Department allege that in February 2008, Clements raped an elderly Alzheimer’s patient, at a local assisted living home in New Orleans, Louisiana. Clements was arrested by the San Leandro Police Department based on information provided by the U.S. Marshals Crescent Star Fugitive Task Force. Deputy U.S. Marshal Gerald Dysart, who was in charge of the operation stated, “Operation Guardian was a successful full-court press by a combined team of federal, state and local law enforcement officers, working in conjunction with CrimeStoppers and the Metropolitan Crime Commission to make a significant impact in keeping the community safe from sexual predators”. 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.