Massive roundup nets arrest of 862 area fugitives

County and local authorities helped in a massive roundup of wanted people coordinated by the U.S. Marshals called Operation Falcon.
In Middle Tennessee, officers from the Wilson County Sheriff's Department, Lebanon and Mt. Juliet police helped round up some 862 fugitives, clearing 1,047 warrants in what has been termed a "record" roundup.
Also included in the arrests were 36 sex offenders and 19 for sexual assault.
Lebanon Police Chief Scott Bowen said the LPD had one officer committed full-time to the U.S. Marshals, who was even sworn in as a federal agent.
"We were fortunate enough to be able to work with the U.S. Marshals service," Bowen said. "… It just goes back to teamwork that has proven to work. We are so fortunate to have the good working relationship with state and local authorities."
Likewise, Wilson County Sheriff Terry Ashe said Tennessee sheriffs have been working on Operation Falcon since August, and "it's been a pretty good operation. It's real successful.
"All the law enforcement agencies contributed to it," Ashe said. "It takes everybody working together to get the job done."
Mt. Juliet Police Chief Winston "Ted" Floyd could not be reached for comment.
The roundup focused on violent sex offenders and gang members, arresting 10,773 fugitives nationwide. It included 30 federal agencies, 103 state agencies, 430 county sheriff's departments, 482 police departments and 18 foreign agencies.
Staff Writer Jason Cox can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 45 or by e-mail at jason.cox@lebanondemocrat.com.