San Juan, PR - Following a four-year tradition of success in its national efforts, the U.S. Marshals Service locally conducted another successful Operation FALCON (Federal and Local Cops Organized Nationally) from June 22 - June 28. Led by the U.S. Marshals Service, Operation FALCON is a nationwide law enforcement effort.

Operation FALCON 2008-Puerto Rico combined the collective efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies in one of the state's largest ever fugitive initiatives, focusing on capturing individuals wanted on felony charges including gang members, sex offenders and fugitives wanted for crimes of violence. Over the course of the five-day operation,
Deputy U.S. Marshals, teamed with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, arrested 100 fugitives - including sex offenders, violent criminals and cleared 118 warrants. One (1) firearm was also recovered. One such arrest highlights the goal of this operation.

On June 28, Roberto Gotay-Varcarcel, a documented sex offender, was arrested in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico by one of the FALCON teams. The US Marshals Service wanted Gotay-Varcarcel for Violations to the Adam Walsh Act for Failure to Update Registration as a Sex Offender. In addition, Gotay-Varcarcel has an active warrant in the state of Florida for Larceny. FALCON team members developed information on Gotay-Varcarcel's location, responded and took him safely into custody.

Additionally, FALCON team members also located and arrested on June 24, Luis A. Sanchez-Perez, another alleged gang member of the Miguel Diaz-Rivera aka "BOLO" drug trafficking organization, who authorities sought for Weapons and Drug Offenses.

'From the outset, Operation FALCON has proved how much can be accomplished when we combine resources at the federal, state and local levels," said John F. Clark, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. 'This operation is not possible without the unique talents and dedication that each participating agency brings to the table."

Operation FALCON - Puerto Rico consisted of officers from four (4) federal agencies to include the United States Marshals Service, the Housing and Urban Development OIG Office, ICE - Office of Detention and Removal Operations and the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms - San Juan Office. Also, five (5) state local law enforcement agencies to include the Puerto Rico Police Department, the Department of Corrections, State Investigative Bureau -NIE, Puerto Rico National Guard - Counter drug Support and the General Courts of Justice - State Marshals, working throughout the five-day period.

Since its inception in 2005, Operation FALCON has made over 36,500 arrests and cleared over 45,300 warrants. During June 2008, Operation Falcon has arrested over 18,000 fugitives and cleared over 22,000 arrest warrants. It continues to be the largest and most successful fugitive apprehension effort in U.S. Marshals history.

For more information about Operation FALCON, visit http://www.usmarshals.gov/falcon08/media.htm.

Operation FALCON News Release, en Español
 

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