U.S. Marshals Task Force Apprehend 11 Fugitives in Wisconsin

Madison, WI – The Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force for the Western District of Wisconsin arrested 11 fugitives, including seven non-compliant sex offenders, during a 10-day warrant sweep named “Operation Northern Exposure” from June 19-June 30.

“Operation Northern Exposure” targeted sex offenders and dangerous fugitives located in Dane, Sauk, Rock, and Juneau Counties. This was the second phase of the operation; 26 sex offender compliance checks were completed with the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry in Dane County, identifying 23 compliant and three non-compliant sex offenders. These non-compliant sex offenders could face new felony charges for sex registry violations.

Based on investigative efforts by task force members, the operation resulted in the notable arrests of:

John C. Johnson, 37, was arrested on June 22nd, 2023, in Beloit, Wis. on a felony warrant for failing to maintain compliance with Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry Program and a parole violation. Johnson is currently on parole following a conviction for possession of child pornography.

Task Force Officers located Johnson at a relative’s residence and took him into custody without incident. This residence had previously been denied as a viable residence for Johnson due to the presence of children.

Abraham J. Simmons, 28, was arrested on June 23rd, 2023, in Madison, Wis. on a parole violation which included failing to maintain compliance with the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry Program. Simmons parole stems from a previous child enticement (sexual contact) conviction.

During the arrest operation, Simmons was observed in the underground parking of the apartment building and fled from Task Force Officers as they attempted to make contact. The Task Force Officers pursued Simmons on foot up several flights of stairs to an apartment where Simmons subsequently surrendered.

David Henderson, 48, was arrested on June 21st, 2023, in Fitchburg, Wis. on a felony warrant for failure to maintain sex offender registration. Henderson also had an active warrant for a similar charge out of Chesapeake, Virginia.

Martize A. Sulton, 41, was arrested on June 23rd, 2023, in Madison, Wis. on a felony warrant for violating terms of his parole after he left his DOC placement without permission. In addition to not reporting to his agent, Sulton failed to stay compliant with the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry Program. Sulton is currently on parole for 1st Degree Sexual Assault (Use of a Dangerous Weapon).

The Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force in this operation was comprised of Officers from the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office, the Verona Police Department, the Beloit Police Department, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, and Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation.

The U.S. Marshals Service is the federal government’s primary agency for fugitive investigations and has the broadest arrest authority among federal law enforcement agencies.

Anyone with information on wanted fugitives is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit a USMS Web Tip.