Over 90 Arrested in Crime Reduction Operation NC and SC

Charlotte -- More than 91 people have been apprehended as a consequence of a crime reduction operation in North Carolina and South Carolina on suspicion of murder, aggravated assault,

sexual assault, robbery, kidnapping, child abuse, child sexual assault, drug distribution, and firearms offences.

The enforcement operation that was disclosed July 20, 2022, took place in Gaston County, North Carolina, and York County, South Carolina, between July 5, 2022, and July 15, 2022, with a focus on the localities in Gastonia, North Carolina, and Rock Hill, South Carolina.
"Operation Washout," a federal, state, and local law enforcement initiative to reduce violent crime, is headed by the U.S. Marshals Service. It aims to increase community safety by locating and apprehending fugitives, violent criminals, self-declared gang members, sex offenders, drug traffickers, and parole violators.

“Criminal activity impacts the well-being of our communities,” said Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “I commend the law enforcement agencies that took part in this crime reduction initiative. As we work together to build stronger relationships with our communities, we must hold accountable those who continue to spread violence and pose a threat to our citizens’ safety.”

“Our commitment to strengthen, protect and safeguard our communities is showcased by the collaborative effort of all the agencies involved in this operation,” said Chris Edge, Acting U.S. Marshal of the U.S. Marshals Service in the Western District of North Carolina. “It also serves as a somber reminder that if you commit a crime and think by fleeing the county or state the United States Marshals Service will find you, wherever you hide.”

ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina, the U.S. Marshals Service in North Carolina and South Carolina, the U.S. Probation Office for the Western District of North Carolina, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives were among the cooperating agencies.

Editor's Note:* A criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.

WNCTIMES by Marjorie Farrington