FOR CITY TIMES

WAUSAU — The Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force for the Western District of Wisconsin arrested 15 violent fugitives and located one deceased fugitive out of state, during a four-day warrant sweep named “Operation Hot Shot” from August 29-September 1.

“Operation Hot Shot” focused on apprehending violent fugitives wanted out of Wood County and Marathon County. The operation resulted in the closure of one federal and 24 state warrants.

“The United States Marshal Service is proud to collaborate with our local partners to help make our communities safer and hold fugitives from justice accountable,” said Kim Gaffney, the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Wisconsin.

Based on investigative efforts by task force members, the operation resulted in the notable arrest of Nicholas Morehouse, 43, apprehended on warrants for a parole violation, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of methamphetamine. Morehouse, a career criminal with over 20 felony arrests, is on parole following a conviction for second-degree sexual assault of a child.

Also apprehended was Justin Mike, 35, wanted on several warrants out of Wood County for possession of methamphetamine, carrying a concealed weapon, and aggravated assault. The dragnet also captured Christina Abbott, 41, wanted on a federal probation warrant out of the Western District of Wisconsin, as well as new charges from the Stevens Point Police Department for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, maintaining a drug trafficking place, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All apprehensions were conducted without incident. The Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force in this operation was comprised of officers from the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department, the Dane County Sheriff’s Department, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, and Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation.

The U.S. Marshals Service is the federal government’s primary agency for fugitive investigations and has the broadest arrest authority among federal law enforcement agencies. Anyone with information on wanted fugitives is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.