U.S. Marshals District of Massachusetts Fugitive Task Force Apprehend 110 Violent Fugitives Since Launching 'Operation 250th'

Boston, MA –The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) District of Massachusetts is proud to announce the launch of Operation 250th, an intensive summer fugitive apprehension initiative focused on removing violent offenders from communities across the Commonwealth in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

Launched in May 2026, Operation 250th set an ambitious goal to apprehend more than 250 violent fugitives in Massachusetts during the summer months. The operation has already resulted in the apprehension of 110 violent fugitives, including individuals wanted for homicide, sexual assault, firearms related charges, and other serious violent crimes.

Operation 250th is led by the USMS District of Massachusetts Fugitive Task Force (DMAFTF), one of the nation’s premier fugitive apprehension partnerships. The operation brings together the expertise, intelligence, and resources of the U.S. Marshals Service, Massachusetts State Police (MSP), Boston Police Department (PD), Worcester PD, Springfield PD, and numerous other local and federal law enforcement agencies. Through unified efforts and a shared commitment to public safety, USMS DMAFTF task force members continue to identify, locate, and apprehend dangerous fugitives who threaten communities throughout Massachusetts.

“The early success of Operation 250th is a testament to the relentless dedication, professionalism, and courage of the men and women of the U.S. Marshals Service and our law enforcement partners,” said Dennis Matulewicz, (A) United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts. “As the first federal law enforcement agency in the United States, the U.S. Marshals Service has always been and remains America’s premier fugitive apprehension agency. As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, there is no better way to honor that legacy than by removing violent offenders from our streets, protecting victims, and making our communities safer. The remarkable results achieved thus far reflect the extraordinary teamwork between the U.S. Marshals Service and our state, local, and federal partners. Together, we are demonstrating what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies operate as one team with a common mission.”

Examples of violent fugitives apprehended during Operation 250th are as follows:

On July 1, 2026, the USMS and its partners conducted an enforcement operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, and apprehended Alan Marcus Lewis on charges related to murder. On November 6, 2017, Lewis is alleged to have shot and killed a male victim near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Boylston Street in Boston, Massachusetts. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Suffolk Superior Court subsequently charged Lewis with Murder. Following the charges, the Boston Police Department requested assistance from the USMS DMAFTF with the fugitive investigation. After a multi-year investigation, investigators were able to track Lewis to Charlotte, North Carolina, where the USMS Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force-Charlotte and law enforcement partners apprehended Lewis.

On June 26, 2026, the USMS DMAFTF and the Boston Police Fugitive Unit conducted an enforcement operation in Brighton, Massachusetts, and apprehended Armani Collazos on charges related to murder. On June 12, 2026, Boston Police Officers responded to a radio call for a person shot in Allston. Upon arrival, officers located a 15-year-old juvenile, Phillip Franco, on Pomeroy Street in Allston suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was transported by Boston EMS to a local hospital, where he remained until pronounced deceased on June 17, 2026. On June 25, 2026, Suffolk Superior Court issued a warrant for the arrest of Armani Collazos for murder, four counts of assault to murder by means of a firearm, and other firearms related charges.

On June 23, 2026, the USMS DMAFTF, MSP Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS), and Haverhill Police conducted an enforcement operation in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and apprehended Armani Montanez on charges related to murder. On October 27, 2024, officers responded to the area of 23rd Street and Fillmore Street in Phoenix, Arizona, regarding a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Officers immediately rendered lifesaving measures; however, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. During the course of the investigation, detectives identified Armani Montanez as the suspect responsible for the homicide. On May 22, 2026, the Maricopa County Superior Court in Arizona issued a warrant for the arrest of Montanez on charges of First Degree Murder,

Aggravated Assault, Discharge of a Firearm, and Disorderly Conduct.
On June 18, 2026, the USMS DMAFTF and MSP Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS) conducted an enforcement operation in Auburn, Massachusetts, and apprehended Steven Stuart on charges related to murder. On June 18, 2026, Worcester Superior Court issued an arrest warrant for Stuart on a charge of Murder stemming from a 2012 incident where Stuart allegedly severely beat his girlfriend’s two-year-old son in Fitchburg, MA, which resulted in significant bodily injuries and paralysis. Stuart initially served an incarceration sentence for is actions; however, the victim of the 2012 assault recently died as a result of his injuries, which resulted in the murder charge. In addition, Stuart has a history of arrests, to include assault and battery and indecent assault and battery on a mentally disabled victim.

On June 10, 2026, the USMS DMAFTF and USMS District of Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force conducted an enforcement operation in Providence, Rhode Island, and apprehended Keeland Rose on charges related to assault to murder. On May 2, 2026, officers from the New Bedford Police Department responded to a reported stabbing. Upon arrival, they located a female victim inside a vehicle suffering from numerous stab wounds.

The victim identified her attacker as Keeland Rose. On May 4, 2026, New Bedford District Court issued an arrest warrant for Rose on charges of Assault to Murder, Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon with Serious Bodily Injuries, and Assault and Battery on a Family Member. In addition, Rose had an existing warrant for narcotics related charges issued by the same court.

On June 1, 2026, members of the USMS DMAFTF and MSP VFAS conducted an enforcement operation in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and apprehended Richard Pena on charges related to murder. Earlier that day, Essex Superior Court issued an arrest warrant for Pena on charges of Murder related to a homicide in Lawrence that occurred in September 2025. In addition, Pena has an extensive criminal history, to include earlier arrests related to assault, firearms, and narcotics charges.

Operation 250th highlights the exceptional collaboration among participating police
departments, sheriff’s offices, and federal agencies. By leveraging each agency’s unique capabilities, the task force has increased operational effectiveness and accelerated the apprehension of dangerous fugitives who might otherwise remain at large. The longstanding partnerships within the USMS DMAFTF continue to strengthen public safety efforts throughout the Commonwealth.

The U.S. Marshals Service remains committed to pursuing fugitives relentlessly and
ensuring that individuals who attempt to evade justice are held accountable. Operation 250th will continue throughout the summer as task force members work toward their goal of apprehending more than 250 violent fugitives to help make life better for all who live in and visit Massachusetts.

USMS DMAFTF participants include the USMS District of Massachusetts, Massachusetts State Police, Boston Police, Brockton Police, Cambridge Police, Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, Haverhill Police, Lowell Police, Middlesex Sheriff’s Department, New Bedford Police, Plymouth County Sheriff's Department, Springfield Police, Worcester Police, West Springfield Police, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, Randolph Police, Quincy Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of any State or Federal Fugitive please contact the United States Marshals Service, contact the USMS at 1-877-WANTED2 or submit information via the USMS Tips App.