Southeast Iowa Area Law Enforcement Agencies Participate in ‘Operation Time’s Up’

Burlington, IA – From Apr. 29 – May 31, members of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Southern Iowa Fugitive Task Force - including the USMS, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, Burlington Police Department, Fort Madison Police Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Department of Corrections High Risk Unit, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations – joined forces with law enforcement officers from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Keokuk Police Department, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, and the West Burlington Police Department to conduct a five-week long fugitive operation in Des Moines, Henry, and Lee Counties and surrounding communities.  

Dubbed “Operation Time’s Up” (OTU) ,the operation resulted in the arrests of 45 individuals wanted on outstanding local, state, and/or federal arrest warrants.  Each of the individuals arrested during OTU had pending criminal charges for crimes involving guns, drugs, assaults, sex offenses, or other crimes of violence and/or criminal histories of convictions for such crimes.  In addition, two firearms were recovered from wanted persons suspected of being prohibited from possessing firearms under state and federal laws, and a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl and illicit prescription drugs were taken off the street. 

“The proactive work of all officers and agencies involved in this operation is a testament to their dedication to making our communities a safe place to live, work and play,” said Des Moines County Sheriff Kevin Glendening. “The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office is proud to have worked with all the law enforcement professionals to remove these violent offenders from our streets and hold them accountable.  Our gratitude goes out to the officers and agencies that dedicated their time and resources in Des Moines County and the surrounding area to build safer communities.” 

OTU was divided into three phases – investigation, enforcement, and follow-up.  The investigation phase commenced on April 29 and concluded May 20.  During this period, participating agencies identified a number of arrest warrants to work during the enforcement phase of the operation and developed credible information as to the whereabouts of dozens of fugitives.  

From May 21-23, four teams of eight law enforcement officers representing 11 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies participated in the three-day-long enforcement phase of OTU. With its command center located at the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, OTU arrest teams worked 10-hour shifts to locate and apprehend 30 individuals wanted on outstanding arrest warrants.  Most of these individuals were arrested in Des Moines, Henry, and Lee counties.  However, some individuals were located as far away as Chicago and Phoenix.

"We are grateful for the outstanding collaboration and dedication of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners,” said Burlington Police Chief Adam Schaefer of the operation. “Their participation in the recent fugitive roundup was instrumental in making multiple arrests and ensuring the safety of our community. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment. We look forward to continuing proactive projects throughout the summer to maintain and enhance public safety in the Greater Burlington area. Ensuring that Burlington remains a safe place to live, work and play is the top priority of the Burlington Police Department.”

Even after the targeted enforcement week was over, OTU investigators continued to follow up on information developed during the investigation and enforcement phases of the operation.  During the follow-up phase, May 24–31, OTU investigators located and arrested several more individuals wanted on outstanding arrest warrants.   

“Whether it’s with a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency, the people who have dedicated their careers to serving are the same,” said U.S. Marshal Ted Kamatchus.  “Each of us remains committed to upholding our oaths of office and to the diligent pursuit of combating violent crime in our communities.  The success of “Operation Time’s Up” is a testament to this combined commitment and to the spirit of cooperation amongst all law enforcement professionals in the Southern District of Iowa.”