U.S. Marshals operation ends with missing children recovered, over 130 arrests

CLEVELAND — Following a 30-day operation, U.S. Marshals announced the successful recovery of 10 missing children and more than 130 arrests of fugitives. 

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliot said Operation TriDENT was conducted in Cleveland, where the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force increased its presence in the city alongside teams across northern Ohio to arrest violent fugitives, seek unregistered sex offenders and locate missing children. 

“Operation TriDENT reflects the dedication, professionalism and teamwork of our officers and partner agencies. Over the past month, their tireless efforts have demonstrated a unified commitment to enhancing public safety throughout the City of Cleveland,” said Cleveland Division of Police Chief Todd in a news release. “On any given day, two to three coordinated teams were actively engaged across the city—a coordinated effort to achieve the operation’s mission. I’m proud of the collaboration and professionalism demonstrated throughout this operation.”

During the 30 days, operatives arrested more than 130 violent fugitives, focusing on all violent crimes. There were five arrests of homicide suspects, but officials put a special focus on those wanted for gun-related crimes and felonious assault. Officials said 46 people were arrested on felonious assault warrants and 20 had firearms-related cases. During the operation, 11 firearms, two of which had been reported stolen, were recovered along with over 3,000 rounds of ammunition. 

“This is a prime example of how local-federal partnerships should work and the impactful results those bring — with more than 100 fugitives arrested, thousands of rounds of ammunition recovered, and dangerous drugs removed from our streets,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, D-Ohio. “Partnerships like this are strongest and most effective when coordinated in tandem with local police departments. We greatly appreciate the U.S. Marshals and will continue to collaborate with other federal law enforcement agencies who similarly operate by keeping the needs of the local communities they serve in mind.”

There were 10 children recovered or located through the work of the Missing Child Unit, and 10 fugitives were arrested for sexually oriented crimes. 

“The task force partnership in the city of Cleveland is our longest-standing in the entirety of northern Ohio,” Elliot said in a news release. “The NOVFTF is incredibly proud of this partnership and will continue, day in and day out, to work with law enforcement partners and community partners to keep the city of Cleveland safe and free from the clutches of criminals who intend to do it harm.”