Operation 'Moving Day' Nets 41 Fugitives Residing in Philadelphia Area Government Housing

Philadelphia, PA - Members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force, along with Special Agents from the HUD Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG), arrested 41 fugitives residing in federally subsidized properties.

During the two-week sweep, dubbed “Operation Moving Day,” law enforcement successfully apprehended violent offenders who were living in HUD government-funded housing. Arrests were made for arson, aggravated assault, shooting, armed robbery, and crimes against children. Highlighting the operation was the capture of a 31-year-old man wanted by the Philadelphia Police Department for an August shooting, and a 23-year-old man wanted for offenses against children.

“This operation sends a clear message that those who threaten the safety of HUD-assisted communities will be held accountable,” said Shawn Rice, Special Agent in Charge for the HUD Office of Inspector General. “Through our relentless work with the U.S. Marshals Service, dangerous fugitives have been taken off the streets, and HUD-assisted housing across the Philadelphia area and beyond is safer as a result. We will continue to pursue those who put residents at risk and fulfill our mission to promote safe, secure housing for the families and communities HUD serves.”

“Citizens in need should not have to compete with fugitives for taxpayer assistance. We appreciate the opportunity to assist HUD-OIG in negating this fraudulent receipt of benefits via multiple arrests,” said Eric Gartner, United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

The Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force is a team of law enforcement officers led by U.S. Marshals in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. The task force’s objective is to seek out and arrest violent crime fugitives. Membership agencies include the Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania State Parole Officers, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General Agents, Immigration Customs Enforcement, Chester Police Department, Bucks County Sheriffs, and Delaware County Sheriffs.