January 23, 2015 - The Center Police Department, the United States Marshal Service Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force, the Shelby County Sheriffs Office, the Shelby County District, Attomey’s Office and Agents from the Department of Homeland Security, executed a series of arrest warrants in the Shelby County area on January 23, 2015.
According to Officer James Blackwell, Warrant Officer for Center Police Department, and Special Deputy United States Marshal, assigned to the Fugitive Task Force, seven persons were arrested clearing a total of eight Felony warrants and six Misdemeanor warrants.
Arrested in the operation were:
- Joel DeLaCruz — Illegal re-entry into the United States — Felony (federal).
- Anthony Dupree Pogue — Escape from Custody F3; Tampering with Evidence F3; Possession of Marijuana MB; Theft MB.
- Thomas Jefferson Anding — Failure to Comply with Registration Requirement - Sex Offender F3.
- David Harold Harris - Injury to a Child F2.
- Jaleesa Phillips — Burglary of a Habitation F2; Theft x 2 MB.
- John David Adams — Aggravated Assault Using a Deadly Weapon F2.
- O’Keith McCollister - Criminal Mischief SJF; Criminal Mischief MA; Interfere with Emergency Call MA.
The Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force is headquartered out of Beaumont, Texas, and has Special Deputy Marshals throughout East Texas.
Fugitive apprehension is one of the most highly visible job duties that U.S. marshals perform. For example, in 2013 alone, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) in Eastem Texas, working as part of the Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force, cleared more than 2,440 fugitive cases. With the help of partnering agencies at the federal, state and local levels, the U.S. marshals were able to bring to justice some of the region’s most dangerous criminals.
Of the fugitive cases cleared by the Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force in 2013, 53 were homicide warrants, 178 were sex offender warrants, 32 were weapons offenses warrants, and 187 were assault/aggravated assault warrants.
The U.S. Marshals in the Eastern District of Texas has no less than 70 participating agencies, which include 40 full-time and 84 part-time task force officers. Center Police Department Chief Jim Albers said, “our commitment to our community is stronger than ever, and by partnering with the community, we will continue to bring these fugitives to justice.”
If you feel that you may be a fugitive, or that you have outstanding Warrants, you can feel free to contact the Center Police Department, The Shelby County Sheriff Department, or any of your local Law Enforcement Agencies and make arrangements to tum yourself in.
Also, if you believe that someone you know may be a fugitive from justice, you can contact the Center Police Department, The Shelby County Sheriff Department or any of your local Law Enforcement Agencies and make a report. You can also contact Crimestoppers and make a report.
Center Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information. Anyone who has information regarding crime should call Center Crime Stoppers at 936-598-SAFE (7233) or submit a tip online at www.centercrimestoppers.com. Remember you don't have to give your name. All calls and cash rewards are completely anonymous. Rewards will only be paid on tips submitted through the Center Crime Stoppers system.
