U.S. Marshals, HUD Joint Operation Leads to 16 Arrests of Fugitives Living in Government-Subsidized Housing

Minneapolis, MN – Over the last week, the U.S. Marshals District of Minnesota’s North Star Fugitive Task Force, partnering with the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, Homeland Security and the USMS Special Operations Group conducted Operation Clean House, aimed at fugitives with active felony warrants living in government subsidized housing in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area.  

During the four-day operation, 16 fugitives associated with receiving HUD housing benefits were arrested by members participating in Operation Clean House.  These fugitives were wanted by various state and local law enforcement agencies across the country, accounting for more than 33 active warrants, to include dangerous drugs, robbery, distribution of obscene material, child pornography, aggravated assault, assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a peace officer and felon in possession of a firearm. 

One notable arrest included the life-saving apprehension of Keoone Walls, who made a suicide attempt by jumping out of a third-story window upon the task force’s entry into his apartment. Members of the NSFTF were able to secure him as he hung on with his fingertips and pulled him back through the window.  Walls was wanted for felony escape from custody.

“The United States Marshals Service District of Minnesota has a longstanding tradition of effective, results-oriented collaborations with our federal, state, and local partners,” said Eddie Frizell, U.S. Marshal for the District of Minnesota. “The North Star Fugitive Task Force and the Department of Housing and Urban Development conducted this joint operation with the objective of finding and apprehending dangerous fugitives residing in homes subsidized by taxpayers. The results were extraordinary!  The surrounding communities expressed their individual thanks and appreciation when the task force brought these wanted individuals to justice.”  

“Demonstrating exceptional work by the U.S. Marshals Service, District of Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General and other law enforcement partners, Operation Clean House led to the successful apprehension of dangerous fugitives wanted on felony warrants who were residing in HUD-subsidized housing,” said U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Acting Inspector General Brian D. Harrison. “Defeating fraud in housing remains a top priority for HUD OIG. HUD housing is America’s housing serving millions of deserving Americans, and we are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring accountability throughout HUD’s programs.” 

The North Star Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency fugitive task force led by the U.S. Marshals Service, District of Minnesota. Partner agencies include the Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations, FBI, and the Minnesota Department of Corrections. 

Anyone with information on wanted fugitives is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit a USMS Web Tip.