EAST ST. LOUIS, ILL. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Illinois, Southern), published as received.
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Following a 12-week effort, federal authorities announced Wednesday the results of the latest multi-agency law enforcement operation in the Southern District of Illinois.
Conducted over the last three months, “Operation Triple Beam Piasa” aimed to combat violence during the summer through the disruption of organized gangs and impact violent crime by apprehending fugitives and gang members as well as the seizure of illegal firearms, narcotics, and proceeds.
In southern Illinois, enforcement operations were focused in Madison and St. Clair counties, in addition to the Centralia region. Officers made 407 felony arrests, with 128 of the arrests being confirmed or associated gang members. During the operation, law enforcement officers also arrested 29 individuals wanted for homicide, 72 individuals for aggravated assault, 16 individuals for armed robbery, and 130 individuals for weapons offenses.
“By targeting, investigating and arresting fugitives throughout southern Illinois, the U.S. Marshals Service and its task force law enforcement partners worked to foster safer communities in the downstate region and improve public safety for the summer when families want to enjoy more time outdoors,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Officers in this latest operation knew the dangers of interacting with and arresting criminals with violent histories—and yet, they persisted. I sincerely commend all who participated and contributed to this operation’s success.”
“Throughout this operation, the Deputy U.S. Marshals and Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force Officers concentrated on arresting the most egregious defendants who were wanted for homicide, drug offenses, weapons offenses and other violent crimes. Obviously, we wouldn’t have been as successful without all our task force partners who participated in this operation and we are grateful for their ongoing support. It is essential that U.S. Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Forces continue to combine the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend the most dangerous fugitives and assist in high profile investigations. During this operation, the Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers continued to exceed expectations while performing this inherently dangerous job” said U.S. Marshal David C. Davis.
During the operation, agents also seized a total of 117 firearms, $47,023, 13 vehicles, and 149.68 kilograms of illicit narcotics.
“Operation Triple Beam Piasa” was a collaborative effort led by the Southern District of Illinois and the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. Participating agencies included the Illinois State Police, Belleville Police Department, Granite City Police Department, Alton Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Illinois Department of Corrections – Parole, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Effingham County Sheriff’s Department and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois.
