U.S. Marshals Support Sex Offender Surge Operations in Concord, Manchester

Concord, NH – The U.S. Marshals Service District of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force are commending the Manchester and Concord Police Departments for their contributions to public safety during a sex offender enforcement operation that began in December and concluded today.

Funding provided by the U.S. Marshals Sex Offender Investigations Branch was distributed through the District of New Hampshire to support targeted enforcement efforts involving the 782 known registered sex offenders in the two communities. As a result of the operation, 18 sex offenders were arrested for violations of registration requirements.

The Sex Offender Investigations Branch was established following the passage of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act in July 2006. One of the branch’s three core responsibilities is assisting state, local, tribal and territorial authorities in the identification, location and apprehension of non-compliant and fugitive sex offenders.

Federal funding provided by the branch allows local law enforcement agencies to dedicate overtime hours specifically to enforce sex offender registration laws. Officers use compliance checks and other investigative means to verify registration information, such as an offender’s residence and employment, and determine whether the individual is in compliance. When non-compliance is detected, an arrest warrant may be issued to bring the offender into custody and restore compliance. If evidence suggests an offender has left New Hampshire or moved into the state to live or work without properly registering, federal charges under the Adam Walsh Act may apply.

During the operation, 27 offenders were found to be non-compliant. Of these, 18 have been arrested, and 3 federal investigations remain pending.

“The success of this operation is a direct result of the hard work and collaboration of the Concord and Manchester Police Departments,” said Acting U.S. Marshal Katherine Burns. “By committing time and resources to these compliance efforts, they play a vital role in protecting the public and strengthening our shared mission of community safety.”

The USMS New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force was formed in the fall of 2002 and is headquartered in Concord. The task force coordinates federal, state, county, and local resources to develop leads, gather intelligence, track and apprehend targeted fugitives. The Task Force receives vital support from Strafford, Merrimack and Rockingham Counties, as well as the cities of Manchester, Nashua and Concord.