Over the course of six weeks, law enforcement authorities conducted an operation in the Des Moines metro and nearby areas, resulting in the arrest of over 80 fugitives.
According to a statement, the U.S. Marshals of Southern Iowa Fugitive Task Force collaborated with law enforcement in a mission named “Operation Never Forget” to locate individuals with active local, state, and federal arrest warrants.
All individuals discovered during the operation were facing charges related to violent crimes, including guns, drugs, assaults, sex offenses, and other serious offenses. Throughout the operation, law enforcement officials were able to seize four firearms.
According to a statement released by United States Marshal Ted Kamatchus, the dedication to safeguarding the community and preventing violent crimes remains unwavering among all parties involved. He further commended the exceptional teamwork and collaboration among law enforcement professionals in the Southern District of Iowa, citing the triumph of Operation Never Forget as proof of their unified efforts.
How Does ‘Operation Never Forget’ Operate?
The entire process of the operation was split into three phases, namely investigation, enforcement, and follow-up, which lasted for six weeks.
According to the release, between Aug. 14 and Sept. 8, agencies selected the arrest warrants they wished to pursue, obtained information on the locations of multiple fugitives, and successfully apprehended approximately 40 individuals.
Between September 11th and September 15th, law enforcement officials representing nine different agencies were hard at work in the enforcement stage. These officials were split into three teams, all of which operated out of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters. Thanks to their efforts, 40 additional individuals were arrested during this period. Most of these arrests took place in the Des Moines area, but some were made farther away in places like Waterloo and Olathe, Kansas.
According to the release, two more individuals were apprehended by investigators who were following up on additional information between Sept. 18 to Sept. 22.
According to a statement released by Sheriff Kevin Schneider of Polk County, the recent operation showcased the impressive law enforcement capabilities in Central Iowa. He emphasized the significance of teamwork and the potential achievements that can be realized when local, state, and federal agencies collaborate.
What agencies were involved?
There were nine local, state and federal agencies involved in the investigation including:
- U.S. Marshals Service
- Polk County Sheriff’s Office
- Iowa Department of Corrections Fugitive Team
- Ames Police Department
- Homeland Security
- Des Moines Police Department
- Ankeny Police Department
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
