U.S. Attorney’s Office announces results of “Operation Big Muddy” (DOJ)

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. - The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Illinois announced today the results of a warrant enforcement operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service and its task force law enforcement partners.

The warrant enforcement operation targeted violent fugitives with felony warrants and identified gang members in the southern counties of the Southern District of Illinois. The coordinated effort was executed over three days by law enforcement officials with the U.S. Marshals Service Southern District of Illinois Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. The operation resulted in 21 arrests and seized 4 firearms and 12 grams of narcotics.

"The U.S. Marshals led this successful operation to remove dangerous fugitives from our local communities," said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. "This operation highlights law enforcement at its best. Thanks to the strong leadership of the U.S. Marshals this coordinated operation ensures that these violent fugitives will be brought to justice, all while strengthening partnerships and public safety throughout the Southern District of Illinois."

Building on its successful "Operation Safe Christmas", this operation resulted in the arrests of dangerous fugitives. One fugitive, arrested in Edwardsville, Illinois, is charged with three counts of aggravated murder and three counts of murder related to a 1992 fire in Napoleon, Ohio. Another fugitive, arrested in Creal Springs, Illinois, is charged with Crimes Against Persons in Williamson County, Illinois.

"Operation Big Muddy, though executed over just two working days, showcased the precision and effectiveness of the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force in the Southern District of Illinois. The operation strategically targeted the most dangerous offenders, including those wanted for homicide, major drug trafficking, weapons violations, and other violent crimes. Its success underscores not only the task force's commitment to public safety, but also the strength of its partnerships-without the dedication and collaboration of our law enforcement partners, these results would not have been possible" said U.S. Marshal David C. Davis.

The U.S. Marshals Service Southern District of Illinois Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force consists of participating agencies from the Illinois State Police, Belleville Police Department, Granite City Police Department, Alton Police Department, ATF Chicago, Homeland Security Investigations, Illinois Department of Corrections - Parole, St. Clair County Sheriff's Department, Madison County Sheriff's Department, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department and the Effingham County Sheriff's Department.