U.S. Marshals Service detains 268 fugitives in Lincoln and Omaha

The U.S. Marshals Service announced Tuesday the arrests of 268 fugitives, gang members and violent offenders as part of Operation Triple Beam, a joint effort between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies concentrated on Omaha and Lincoln.

OTB was conducted in Omaha and Lincoln between June 1st and September 1st. Violent offenders were targeted, which included offenders with a current arrest warrant or previous arrests for gang-related activity, homicide, assault, robbery, burglary, sexual assault, weapons offenses or narcotics distribution. The arrests included 139 violent offenders, 24 sex offenders 110 gang members and 21 gang member associates.

Among those taken into custody were Joseph Harris and Shamar Dortch. Harris was wanted for a probation violation for felony theft. The investigation resulted in the arrests of Harris and Dortch, the seizure of a gun and 1.3 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $13,656.00.

Gang member Juan Simental was wanted on a federal warrant out of California for a supervised release violation with the underlying charge of possession of a controlled substance. Simental was located and arrested in Omaha by OTB members. Investigators located 1,361 grams of methamphetamine, $4,000 cash and a loaded gun.

An arrest warrant was issued for Bernard Turner for a federal probation violation. He is also wanted by the Omaha police for homicide, use of a weapon to commit a felony and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

"The collaborative initiative between the United States Marshal's Service and local law enforcement leads to stronger and safer neighborhoods. We are proud to be partners in initiatives that provide the citizens we serve added confidence to prosper and minimize concerns of their personal safety," Lincoln Police Chief, Jeff Bliemeister.

“The USMS continues to be a valued partner in addressing gang and gun violence in our city," said Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer. "Operation Triple Beam certainly contributed to a reduction of violent crime during our summer months."