From fugitive to shackled prisoner, 'Fat Leonard' lands back in US court and could face more charges
Prosecutors say a defense contractor at the center of one of the biggest bribery scandals in U.S. military history is expected to face additional charges following his return to the United States from Venezuela as part of a broader prisoner swap between the two countries.
US Marshal shot in Ohio while serving warrant to Danville fugitive, authorities say
Marshal and a fugitive out of Danville were both shot while exchanging gunfire in Ohio on Wednesday, authorities said. Marshals Service, authorities were serving a warrant to 33-year-old Aaron Thomas in Canton, Ohio on Wednesday night when the shooting happened. Thatโs when they said one officer was hit, as was Thomas when authorities returned fire. They also said the officer is in stable condition and will likely be released from the hospital soon. According to WKYC, Thomas is in stable condition following surgery.
Authorities find 33 missing children across Virginia, one linked to human trafficking
ROANOKE, Va. โ Federal authorities found 33 missing children across the Commonwealth and arrested two men in Roanoke in connection to one childโs disappearance, the U.S. Marshals Service announced Friday. Most of the rescues were in Virginiaโs larger populated areas, but seven occurred in Southwest Virginia in places like Roanoke and Abingdon. Another case showed that a 14-year-old girl was reported missing by her family in Southwest Virginia. Marshals Service collaborated with more than 60 law enforcement investigators and more than 50 employees from the Virginia Department of Social Services.
200+ warrants served, 130+ arrested in response to gun violence in Roanoke
ROANOKE, Va. โ On Thursday, Roanoke leaders addressed the cityโs recent uptick in gun violence. โJust like you, I am frustrated and angry about this crisis of gun violence that is happening in our community," expressed Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea. Vice Mayor Joe Cobb, chair of the cityโs Gun Violence Task Force, detailed how his team is working collaboratively with the police department on intervention and prevention. โWe wanted to definitely hit the streets hard and serve these warrants and get these violent offenders in custody," stated U.S. Thanks to this initiative, deputies from other agencies, such as the Botetourt County Sheriffโs Office, Bedford County Sheriffโs Office and Montgomery County Sheriffโs Office stepped in to help.
Authorities find 39 missing children in Georgia, some linked to sex trafficking
Federal authorities found 39 missing children and arrested nine people who were linked to their disappearances in Georgia, the U.S. Through โOperation Not Forgotten,โ authorities rescued 26 endangered children and safely located 13 more missing children through this two-week-long operation in Macon and Atlanta. Officials said these children were likely victims of child sex trafficking, child exploitation, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and suffering from medical or mental health conditions. These missing children were considered to be some of the most at-risk and challenging recovery cases in the area, according to the U.S. Authorities arrested a total of nine people on charges of sex trafficking, parental kidnapping, registered sex offender violations, drugs and weapons possession and custodial interference.
US agents to pull back in Portland but will stay on standby
Many demonstrators are peaceful, but smaller numbers have thrown fireworks, flares and rocks at federal agents, used lasers to blind them and sprayed graffiti across the downtown Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse. The deployment appeared to have the opposite effect, reinvigorating demonstrations with a new focus: getting rid of the federal presence. Federal agents nearly killed a demonstrator, and their presence has led to increased violence and vandalism in our downtown core, he said. Wednesday's announcement was an abrupt about-face from just two days earlier, when the U.S. government said it might send more federal agents to Portland. Oregon's governor cautioned Wednesday that the lower visibility of the federal agents and their ultimate departure won't immediately resolve the conflict.
Mayor: US Marshals investigate shooting at Portland protest
CORRECTS DAY AND DATE TO FRIDAY JULY 10. - FILE - In this Friday, July 10, 2020 file photo, a waste receptacle's contents are in flames as protesters gather in downtown Portland, Ore. The mayor of Portland, Oregon said late Sunday the U.S. Marshals Service are investigating the injury of a protester who was hospitalized in critical condition over the weekend after being hit in the head by an impact weapon fired by a federal law enforcement officer. Mayor Ted Wheeler said he spoke with with U.S. Attorney for Oregon Billy J. Williams and learned of the investigation.
Authorities arrest estranged husband they say attacked his wife in Radford
RADFORD, Va. โ Police arrested Dennis Ray Blankenship with the help of the U.S. Marshals Service, according to the Radford Police Department. The Radford Police Department is asking for help finding the man they say attacked his estranged wife early Sunday morning. At 12:07 a.m., police responded to the 300 block of Fairfax Street after a woman called 911 to tell authorities she was attacked by 36-year-old Dennis Ray Blankenship Jr., of Bluefield, West Virginia. Any one with information about where he may be is asked to contact the Radford Police Department Crime Line at 540-731-5040 or email crimestoppers@radfordva.gov.
Fugitive couple facing murder charges back in custody
Husband and wife fugitives Blane and Susan Barksdale have been captured, the U.S. The sheriff's department did not provide details about when, how or where the couple was taken into custody. Blane Barksdale had been on the Marshals Service's list of the 15 most wanted fugitives since Monday. "Blane Barksdale has the dubious distinction of fulfilling that requirement." Bligh's brother said the victim was good friends with Susan Barksdale but she had changed since meeting her new husband.
Woman wanted for allegedly helping an escape attempt at Montgomery County Jail
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. - The U.S. Marshals Service and Montgomery County Sheriff's Office are searching for a woman they say tried to help someone attempting to escape from jail. Tiffany Dawn White, 24, is charged with being an accessory to an escape attempt at the Montgomery County Jail. She is 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs about 125 pounds. Authorities say she is known to frequent both the city of Radford and Giles County and previously has been seen driving a dark-colored BMW.