The U.S. Marshals Service has concluded a high-impact fugitive apprehension initiative aimed at combating violent crime in 10 cities with a significant number of homicides and shootings. The 30-day initiative, called Operation North Star (ONS), resulted in the arrest of 1,501 fugitives, violent criminals, sex offenders, and self-identified gang members in Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Memphis, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
Operation North Star focused on fugitives wanted for the most serious, violent, and harmful offenses, including homicide, sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated assault. Operation North Star investigators prioritized their efforts to include individuals using firearms in their crimes, or who exhibited risk factors associated with violence.
"The Justice Department is committed to doing everything we can to protect our communities from violent crime and end the plague of gun violence," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "Operation North Star reflects the approach we are taking across the Department to work in partnership with law enforcement agencies and communities to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the greatest violence."
Jose Galiano-Meza, 28, was wanted out of Douglas County, Kansas, for homicide. Galiano-Meza was the suspect in a hit-and-run that resulted in the death of a 10-year-old girl from Eudora, Kansas. On June 4, Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force (GLRFTF) members arrested Galiano-Meza in Indianapolis.
Galiano-Meza is currently in custody. He faces homicide charges. The city and state of the incident is Eudora, Kansas. The exact date of the incident is not specified. Unfortunately, the source lacks information on the sentence or outcome. The investigation and prosecution are ongoing.
Notable arrests resulting from Operation North Star include:
Rashaan Vereen, 34, was arrested on June 6 for attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and firearms charges in connection with a mass shooting incident on South Street in Philadelphia on June 4. Quran Garner, 18, and a 15-year-old suspect were also arrested in connection with the shooting. Dionte Mitchell, 22, was arrested on June 8 for two counts of homicide and possession of a weapon during a violent crime in New York. He allegedly shot and killed two female victims after a dispute at a party. Jaden Baskerville, 21, was arrested on June 9 for attempted homicide in connection with a drive-by shooting that resulted in the injury of a seven-year-old girl in Brooklyn.
Operation North Star resulted in the seizure of 166 firearms, more than $53,600 in currency, and more than 33 kilograms of illegal narcotics. The U.S. Marshals Service used its broad arrest authority and network of task forces to arrest individuals wanted on charges, including 230 for homicide and 131 for sexual assault.
"The Marshals remain committed to assisting state and local law enforcement with reducing violent crime in our most vulnerable communities," said U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald Davis. "Operation North Star was focused on areas where local law enforcement has seen a large number of homicides and shootings. By partnering with our local and state partners, we are able to hone in on the most dangerous criminals who cause the most harm."
Related Federal Cases
- Akeem Davis, Firearms Offense, New York 2024 · Kansas
- Robert Hayes, Double Murder, New York 1993 · Kansas
- Jonathan M. Cuney, Gun Trafficking, New York 2023 · Kansas
- Ahmaad Jarvis, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, California 2023 · Kansas
- Robert Abel, Bank Robbery, CT 2017 · Connecticut
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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