Operation Washout Nets 123 Arrested in U.S. Marshal Service Targeted Enforcement Operation in Galveston, Texas

Galveston, TX – During the dates of January 05 through January 15, the U.S. Marshals Service's Gulf Coast Violent Offenders and Fugitive Task Force personnel from Galveston partnered with state and local agencies to conduct Operation Washout, a U.S. Marshals Service national initiative focused on the investigation and arrest of violent fugitives and gang members with active arrest warrants. Operation Washout brings together state, local, and federal law enforcement to focus on specific areas impacted by gang violence and target those with the greatest propensity for crime.

"Operation Washout represents 10 days of intense effort by a team of law enforcement committed to making the Galveston County community and their residents safer from violent crime," said T. Michael O’Connor, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Texas. "The success of the operation shows what dedicated professionals can accomplish when agencies work together, utilizing expertise to protect the public from those who dare to endanger their communities."

"The success of this operation is a great example of what is possible when local and federal law enforcement agencies combine efforts, utilizing data and intelligence, to take those individuals off the street who plague our communities with fear and violence." Said Galveston Police Department Chief Vernon Hale.

The 10-day operation led to 123 arrests, including 44 gang members, the seizure of 32 firearms, $20,400.00 in U.S. currency, and 18.535 kilograms of narcotics.

Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset said, "On behalf of the Galveston County Sheriff's Office, I would like to thank everyone who participated in Operation Washout in an effort to make Galveston County a safer place."

La Marque Police Chief, Kirk Jackson stated "The La Marque Police Department is honored and grateful for the opportunity to work with the U. S. Marshal's Office and all the participating State, County, and local law enforcement agencies during Operation Washout." The Chief went on to say, "This operation is just the beginning. Our collaborative efforts to root out the criminal element in the County are ongoing. The law enforcement officers of La Marque Police Department are working with agencies throughout Galveston County and will demonstrate to the criminal element that there is nowhere to hide."

Galveston Police Chief Vernon Hale, said "The success of this operation is a great example of what is possible when local and federal law enforcement agencies combine efforts, utilizing data and intelligence, to take those individuals off the street who plaque our communities with fear and violence."

Agencies participating in the operation included: Galveston County Sheriff's Office, Galveston Police Department, La Marque Police Department, Hitchcock Police Department, Texas City Police Department, League City Police Department, Galveston County Pct 2 and 3 Constables, Texas Attorney General's Office, Alvin Police Department, Clear Lake Shores Police Department, Friendswood Police Department, Harris County Pct 2 Constables Office, Santa Fe Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety (Criminal Investigative Division and Air Support), Texas Department Of Criminal Justice (OIG), U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Department of Homeland Security Air and Marine Operations.