Nationwide operation nets people wanted on outstanding warrants.
(Cleveland) - In a large sweep, local, state and federal authorities arrested accused rapists, murders and other criminals in an effort named Operation Falcon.
The U.S. Marshals Service led the operation which resulted in 35,190 arrests this year. 437 arrests were made in Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties.
In addition...28 sex offenders were nabbed, there were 5 homicide arrests, 311 narcotics suspects taken into custody, and 20-thousand dollars seized.
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott (at podium).U.S. Marshall Pete Elliot explains that Operation Falcon was part of a nationwide crackdown, but the Northeast Ohio district ranked 3rd for the number of arrests.
Cuyahoga County Sheriff Bob Reid credits closer cooperation among local, county, and federal law enforcers.
Cleveland Police Chief Michael McGrath says the recession and tight budget have not deterred cops from going after suspects, and says the crackdown will continue. He urges wanted felons to surrender before officers come knocking on their door.
Usually, about 12 officers work to catch fugitives, but last month about 50 officers a day tracked down wanted felons.
They include four charged with murder, seven charged with sex crimes and more than 40 others charged with dangerous drug offenses.
"It's a great program and it's especially beneficial when we have budget problems and we can pool resources to get the job done," Fairfield County Sheriff Dave Phalen said.
The arrests include a man wanted for murder by Toledo Police and a state employee who was arrested at his Downtown office on a federal warrant that accused him of embezzling more than $300,000 from the Ghana International School.
"It takes our community to provide tips and concerned citizens like neighbors who often times don't want to cooperate because they're in fear," said Cathy Jones, chief deputy U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Ohio.
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