Roundup Nets More Than 160 Arrests

COLUMBUS, Ohio —Following a five-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. Led by the U.S. Marshals, Operation FALCON 2009 netted 169 arrests within the Central Columbus Region in the Southern District of Ohio throughout the month of June.

Operation FALCON – Columbus combined the collective efforts of 23 law enforcement agencies in one of the area’s largest-ever fugitive initiatives, focusing on capturing individuals wanted on felony charges including sexual predators and fugitives wanted for crimes of violence. Over the course of the monthlong operation, Deputy U.S. Marshals, teamed with federal, state and local law enforcement partners, arrested 169 fugitives and cleared 188 warrants in the Central Columbus Region.

On June 1, the Franklin County Grand Jury returned an indictment against Marvin Hodge, 42, charging him with aggravated arson. On June 4, Hodge was arrested without incident by officers at an apartment in Columbus. 

On May 28, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Frank Bempong. Bempong, 48, was wanted by the country of Ghana for the embezzlement of over $300,000 from the Ghana International School. Bempong had worked for the state of Ohio and had an office at the State Office Tower in Columbus. On June 1, officers arrested Bempong at his office without incident.  Bempong is awaiting extradition back to Ghana.

On June 3, officers received information that Dejuan Booker, 29, was residing at an address in Columbus.  Booker was wanted by the Toledo Police Department for murder.  Booker also had a federal warrant for violations of supervised release on an original charge of felon in possession of ammunition.  The officers knocked on the door, which was answered by two individuals who claimed they were the only people in the house and further claimed they did not know Booker.  When the officers searched the residence they encountered a locked door which was breached, and Booker was found hiding in a small bathroom.  Booker was taken into custody and the other two individuals at the residence were also arrested and charged with obstruction of justice.

“The goal of Operation FALCON is simple – to make communities safer,” said John F. Clark, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. “Each time we wrap up a FALCON operation in any location, there are less dangerous individuals – and fewer threats to the community – than before we arrived there. That is very gratifying.”

Operation FALCON – Columbus consisted of approximately 100 federal, state and local law enforcement officers from 23 participating agencies, making up multiple arrest teams working throughout the month of June. Each participating local officer was sworn in as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal immediately prior to the start of this operation. This special authority empowers them to cross traditional lines of jurisdiction to track down and arrest targeted fugitives throughout the operation.

“The cooperation and enthusiasm of law enforcement agencies in the Central Columbus Region has always been incredible,” said U.S. Marshal James M. Wahlrab. “We are facing new challenges in law enforcement and must always adapt to overcome sometimes overwhelming odds when faced with the criminal element that places our communities in danger. With our law enforcement partners, law enforcement at all levels is dedicated to a safer Ohio, nation and world and it shows in this tremendous success.”

“Operation FALCON has built a strong track record of success in finding and safely arresting people whom the courts have already charged with committing at least one crime,” U.S. Attorney Gregory G. Lockhart said. “These concentrated and cooperative efforts by law enforcement at all levels are the key to keeping our community’s residents safe.”

Agencies contributing to Operation FALCON – Columbus are Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Licking County Sheriff’s Office, City of Columbus Division of Police, Worthington Police Department, Grove City Police Department, Reynoldsburg Police Department,  Lancaster Police Department, Gahanna Police Department, London Police Department, City of Columbus Division of Fire, Ohio State Highway Patrol, State of Ohio Adult Parole Authority, State of Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.

Since its inception in 2005, Operation FALCON has made more than 91,080 arrests and cleared more than 117,870 warrants. It continues to be the largest and most successful fugitive apprehension effort in U.S. Marshals history.

For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com—Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at .
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video