For Immediate Release

Mansfield, OH – Earlier today, members of the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Mychael J. Martin, age 19, at a residence on the 700 block of Burns Street in Mansfield, after a lengthy investigation. Martin was wanted by the Mansfield Police Department for pandering obscenity involving a minor, a second degree felony, as well as failing to appear in the Richland County Common Pleas Court for a drug trafficking trial. The fugitive case was referred to the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and the team went on the hunt. After a month of developing probable locations for Martin, Task Force investigators got the tip needed that placed Martin at the residence. In the process of taking Martin into custody, officers found a loaded handgun in a baby stroller within Martin’s reach. Martin’s one year old child was present in the same room as the firearm. The Mansfield Police Department is looking into additional charges concerning the firearm.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “This is an excellent example of teamwork and cooperation between agencies paying dividends. We were able to help Mansfield Police close their investigation, bring him before the courts on his other charges, and take another firearm off of the street.”

Detective Jeff Shook of the Mansfield Police Department said, “We are pleased that this violent offender was taken into custody safely. This case had the recipe for danger but through teamwork, that wasn’t allowed to happen.”

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of a known fugitive is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at: 1-866-4-WANTED. Callers may remain anonymous.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force - Richland County Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies: Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Bellville Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, Galion Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Mansfield Municipal Probation, Mansfield Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ontario Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, Richland County Probation, Richland County Prosecutor’s Office, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Shelby Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service.

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