1. For Immediate Release Contact:
June 03, 2013 Pete Elliott – U.S. Marshal
Northern District of Ohio (216) 276-5855
U.S. Marshals Task Force Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Cleveland, OH – The U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent
Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) is celebrating their 10th
Anniversary of hunting down the worst of the worst criminals
wanted in Northern Ohio.
The NOVFTF was first established in June 2003 by U.S.
Marshal Pete Elliott as he teamed up with various federal,
state and local law enforcement agencies in Northern Ohio’s
major cities to bring resources together to track down the
area’s most violent offenders. The NOVFTF first began operations in Cleveland,
Akron, Youngstown and Toledo. Over the last 10 years, the NOVFTF has
expanded with teams now also established in Elyria, Mansfield, Painesville and
the latest forming in Canton. The NOVFTF now consists of over 110 federal, state
and local law enforcement agencies with more than 300 law enforcement officers
assigned.
Since its inception in June of 2003, the NOVFTF has been responsible for the
arrests of nearly 32,000 fugitives and has cleared over 45,000 warrants. Arrests
include over 745 fugitives wanted for homicide, over 2275 fugitives wanted for sex
offenses, over 3900 fugitives wanted for assault, over 2200 fugitives wanted for
robbery, over 1800 fugitives wanted for weapons offenses and over 9000 fugitives
wanted for narcotics offenses. The NOVFTF has also seized over 1,180 firearms,
over 24,000 rounds of ammunition, over 570 kilos of illegal narcotics and over $2.2
million currency.
Over the last 10 years, the NOVFTF has excelled as one of the highest performing
fugitive task forces in the nation. The NOVFTF has received numerous awards for
teamwork and performance to include recognitions from the U.S. Attorney
General, Ohio Attorney General, Department of Justice, Director of U.S. Marshals,
Ohio Senate, Ohio Congress and the National Association of Police
Organizations.
Much of the success of the NOVFTF can also be attributed to the great
partnerships with local media throughout Northern Ohio. Utilizing programs such
as “Fugitive of the Week”, “Toledo’s Most Wanted” and “Dangerous Dozen”, the
NOVFTF has been able to locate and arrest many of these hard to find fugitives
with the assistance of the media and concerned citizens.
“I am so proud of the Deputy United States Marshals and our local police officers
who have dedicated the last 10 years to the pursuit of the most dangerous
fugitives throughout northern Ohio. Their hard work is what has truly made this

2. task force a great success,” stated Pete Elliott, United States Marshal for the
northern district of Ohio.