Passaic County recently carried out a large-scale law enforcement operation named “Operation Grinch,” which aimed to bring in fugitives with active warrants, focusing primarily on those failing to pay child support.
The operation was successful in apprehending 19 fugitives and recovering a total of $552,000 in unpaid child support.
The operation was a team effort, involving the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI Violent Crimes Safe Streets Task Force.
While the main goal was to tackle unpaid child support, investigators also discovered other criminal activities, leading to additional charges for several suspects.
Key Results of Operation Grinch:
- 19 fugitives were arrested during the sweep.
- 15 arrests were made in connection with unpaid child support, amounting to $552,000.
- Several suspects faced new criminal charges, including drug-related offenses and other serious crimes.
Criminal Charges and Arrests
Three individuals were arrested during the operation for more serious crimes beyond their child support warrants:
- Thomas Haley (32): Wanted on three warrants for drug-related charges involving the manufacturing and distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS). Haley attempted to run away but was quickly caught. Authorities also found cocaine in his possession, leading to further charges of resisting arrest and possession of CDS.
- Arthur Edmonds (50): Arrested in Paterson, Edmonds had four active warrants, including charges of sexual assault and child endangerment. During his arrest, police found 12 grams of crack cocaine, and he was charged with drug possession.
- Raed Almashaqbeth (37): Initially arrested for a child support warrant, Almashaqbeth was found with 19 grams of crystal meth and now faces additional charges for possessing drugs and intending to distribute them.
Other Arrests
Several other individuals were arrested during the sweep, many of whom had child support warrants. These individuals included:
- Osvaldo Agosto (66) – Contempt of Sheriff Labor Assistance Program
- Jordi Deleon (30) – Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
- Luis Escanio (28) – Child Support
- Gary Carter (58) – Child Support
- Lavor Harvey (39) – Child Support
- Lamar Holmes (48) – Child Support
- Dion James (53) – Child Support
- Ramon Santana (45) – Child Support
- John Sellow (54) – Two Child Support Warrants
- Cleo Mitchell (42) – Five Child Support Warrants
- Jerry Simmons (38) – One Child Support Warrant
- Gerson Falette (43) – Two Child Support Warrants
- Joewan Williams (38) – Two Child Support Warrants
- Shakara Brown (48) – Child Support
- Salem Salem (36) – Child Support
- Adrian Gomez (36) – Child Support
Message from the Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Adamo emphasized the importance of enforcing court-authorized warrants and ensuring that individuals take responsibility for their actions, especially when it comes to supporting their children.
He added, “Individuals need to know that they will ultimately be held responsible for not only their actions but for supporting their children.”
Conclusion
Operation Grinch has sent a clear message that unpaid child support will not go unnoticed, and those with warrants should expect to be held accountable.
The collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies was essential in making this operation a success, and the community can expect continued efforts to target fugitives and collect unpaid child support in the future.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
