U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force Completes Operation ‘Apex Hammer’ with 264 Arrests

Newark, NJ – The U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, in coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, has concluded Operation Apex Hammer, a high-impact fugitive apprehension initiative resulting in the arrest of 264 violent offenders, including murder suspects, sex offenders, and known gang members.

Launched in early June 2025, Operation Apex Hammer targeted the nation’s most dangerous fugitives and individuals wanted for crimes including homicide, armed robbery, assault, weapons trafficking, and sexual offenses involving children. The month-long operation spanned throughout the state of New Jersey focusing on areas with high rates of violent crime and outstanding felony warrants with most arrests taking place in Camden and Newark.

“Operation Apex Hammer sent a clear message,” said U.S. Marshal for the District of New Jersey Juan Mattos Jr. “The U.S. Marshals and our partner agencies will never stop pursuing those who threaten the safety of our communities. This operation reflects our unwavering commitment to protect communities by targeting and removing the most dangerous individuals from our streets.”

Among the notable arrests:

• Lorenzo Benitez, 54, an illegal alien from Guatemala, wanted out of Keansburg for multiple counts of sexual assault, arrested June 4 in Plainfield.
• Darlin Franco-Guzman, 25, an illegal alien from Honduras, wanted out of Baltimore County for burglary and attempted sexual assault of a 12-year-old female, arrested June 10 in Trenton.
• Stephen Bullock, 32, wanted for the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 76-year-old woman in Camden County, arrested June 13 in Hi-Nella.
• Shawn Davis, 38, wanted for a 2024 homicide in Trenton, arrested June 13 in Brooklyn, New York.
• Luis Duval-Jimenez, 31, wanted for attempted murder after he ran over a South Brunswick police officer with his vehicle in May 2025, arrested June 18 in North Arlington.
• Trasuf Bennett, 20, and a juvenile accomplice, wanted for the drive-by shooting murder of a 20-year-old male victim in Milleville, arrested June 19 in Trenton.
• Francisco Ruiz, 67, wanted for sexual assault by contact, terroristic threats, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal restraint, arrested June 20 in Bayonne.

In addition to the arrests of 17 homicide suspects and 95 gang members, a total of 14 illegal firearms were seized. Of the 264 arrested, 31 were captured out-of-state and 2 overseas. Emphasizing the seriousness of the criminality of these 264 fugitives, they combined for an astounding total of 2,625 prior arrests.

“This was a unified effort,” said Mattos. “Our task force, federal agencies, local, and state partners worked side-by-side to ensure this mission’s success. The results speak for themselves.”

“I have seen firsthand the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement partners, and I proudly stand with them in this fight,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba. “Operation Apex Hammer is proof of what we can accomplish when we come together to drive violent crime out of our communities. I especially commend the U.S. Marshals Service for their relentless pursuit of dangerous fugitives and their commitment to bringing those who terrorize our neighborhoods to justice.” 

Operation Apex Hammer was focused on identifying and apprehending high-threat fugitives using intelligence-led policing, community engagement, and interagency collaboration. The U.S. Marshals Service remains committed to pursuing justice and ensuring that the nation’s most dangerous fugitives are brought to justice.

The U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force is comprised of individuals from the following agencies:

New Jersey State Police, New Jersey State Parole, New Jersey Department of Corrections, Port Authority Police Department, Passaic County Sheriff, Essex County Sheriff, Union County Sheriff, Mercer County Sheriff, Monmouth County Sheriff, Ocean County Sheriff, Burlington County Sheriff, Camden County Sheriff, Hudson County Sheriff, Gloucester County Sheriff, Salem County Sheriff, Atlantic County Sheriff, Somerset County Sheriff, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Salem County Prosecutor’s Office, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Newark PD, Jersey City PD, Trenton PD, Camden Metro PD, Atlantic City PD, Asbury Park PD, Vineland PD, Pennsauken PD, Flemington PD, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,  and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.