'Operation Clean House’ Sees Success in Enforcement Operation in Cleveland

Cleveland, OH – United States Marshal Peter Elliott and Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Shawn Rice announce the arrest of over 70 fugitives during a two-week operation in the Cleveland, Ohio area.  

Operation Clean House took place from September 14 through September 25.  During the operation members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) worked alongside the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of the Inspector General (HUD-OIG) to develop information about wanted fugitives living in HUD housing in the Cleveland area.  Operations similar to this were conducted throughout the U.S. in Columbus, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, New York, Memphis, New Orleans, Kansas City, Minneapolis and in New Jersey and North Carolina throughout 2026.

In Cleveland, during the operation, 68 fugitives utilizing HUD housing assistance were arrested.  Additionally, 7 other people who were encountered by the task force during the operation were arrested for outstanding felony warrants as well.

“Operation Clean House demonstrates the strength and effectiveness of our law enforcement partnerships in protecting America’s housing.  This coordinated effort in Cleveland—powered by the dedication of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), HUD OIG, HSI (Homeland Security Investigations), Ohio State Patrol, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement partners—resulted in the swift apprehension of 68 HUD housing assistance participants with serious felony warrants. Every successful operation reinforces our commitment to ensuring that families in need of HUD housing assistance can live in safe, secure communities.  I am proud of the unified teamwork that made this initiative a success and I am grateful for the professionalism and resolve shown by all participating agencies,” added Special Agent in Charge, Shawn A. Rice, HUD OIG.

During the investigations and arrests three individuals who were wanted for various felony warrants were found to be in possession of firearms.  One person, Ashton Small, 19, was located with three firearms.  Additionally, Jose Bell, 33, was arrested at an apartment in the 1500 block of Ansel Rd. Bell was wanted for promoting prostitution and felonious assault, he was also a registered sex offender.  He was also found to be in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “When law enforcement works together here in Cleveland and across the nation the goal of removing violent fugitives off the streets to create a safer community where people can live and work becomes more attainable. The partnership here in Cleveland between the USMS and HUD-OIG is no different and was incredibly successful.”

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or tips may be sent via email to usmstips@usdoj.gov. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies:  U.S. Marshals Service, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Independence Police Department, Parma Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Solon Police Department, Cleveland RTA Police Department, Westlake Police Department, Bedford Police Department, Middleburg Heights Police Department, Newburgh Heights Police Department and the Metrohealth Police Department.