Operation Washout Nets 123 Arrested in U.S. Marshal ServiceTargeted Enforcement Operation in Galveston, Texas

DOJ Press


Galveston, TX
– During the dates of January 05 through January
15, the U.S. Marshals Service’s Gulf Coast Violent Offenders and
Fugitive Task Force personnel from Galveston partnered with state and
local agencies to conduct Operation Washout, a U.S. Marshals Service
national initiative focused on the investigation and arrest of violent
fugitives and gang members with active arrest warrants. Operation
Washout brings together state, local, and federal law enforcement to
focus on specific areas impacted by gang violence and target those with
the greatest propensity for crime.

“Operation Washout represents 10 days of intense
effort by a team of law enforcement committed to making the Galveston
County community and their residents safer from violent crime,” said T.
Michael O’Connor, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Texas. “The
success of the operation shows what dedicated professionals can
accomplish when agencies work together, utilizing expertise to protect
the public from those who dare to endanger their communities.”

“The success of this operation is a great example
of what is possible when local and federal law enforcement agencies
combine efforts, utilizing data and intelligence, to take those
individuals off the street who plague our communities with fear and
violence.” Said Galveston Police Department Chief Vernon Hale.

The 10-day operation led to 123 arrests,
including 44 gang members, the seizure of 32 firearms, $20,400.00 in
U.S. currency, and 18.535 kilograms of narcotics.


Galveston
County Sheriff Henry Trochesset said, “On behalf of the Galveston County
Sheriff’s Office, I would like to thank everyone who participated in
Operation Washout in an effort to make Galveston County a safer place.”

La Marque Police Chief, Kirk Jackson stated “The
La Marque Police Department is honored and grateful for the opportunity
to work with the U. S. Marshal’s Office and all the participating State,
County, and local law enforcement agencies during Operation Washout.”
The Chief went on to say, “This operation is just the beginning. Our
collaborative efforts to root out the criminal element in the County are
ongoing. The law enforcement officers of La Marque Police Department are
working with agencies throughout Galveston County and will demonstrate
to the criminal element that there is nowhere to hide.”

Galveston Police Chief Vernon Hale, said “The
success of this operation is a great example of what is possible when
local and federal law enforcement agencies combine efforts, utilizing
data and intelligence, to take those individuals off the street who
plaque our communities with fear and violence.”

Agencies participating in the operation included:
Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, Galveston Police Department, La
Marque Police Department, Hitchcock Police Department, Texas City Police
Department, League City Police Department, Galveston County Pct 2 and 3
Constables, Texas Attorney General’s Office, Alvin Police Department,
Clear Lake Shores Police Department, Friendswood Police Department,
Harris County Pct 2 Constables Office, Santa Fe Police Department, Texas
Department of Public Safety (CID and Air Support), Texas Department Of
Criminal Justice (OIG), U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Agency, and the
Department of Homeland Security Air and Marine Operations.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found
at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

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America’s
First Federal Law Enforcement Agency

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