FBI announces major sweep that captured 109 fugitives in Maryland and Delaware
The FBI announced Thursday results of a major fugitive sweep in Maryland and Delaware that led to the arrests of 109 individuals in an effort to combat violent crime.
During a press conference held at the FBI's field office in Baltimore, officials said the operation lasted from July 20 to Aug. 5. It involved more than a dozen federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. In addition to the arrests, the sweep resulted in the seizure of three firearms.
"These are meaningful results," FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul said. "This surge demonstrates the FBI's unwavering commitment to public safety. Together with our partners, we targeted violent offenders threatening our communities and took decisive action to hold them accountable."
FBI officials said the operation was part of the FBI's "Summer Heat 2.0" nationwide initiative that brings together agents, task force officers, intelligence personnel, professional staff, and partner agencies in a coordinated effort to identify, locate, and apprehend violent offenders.
Operation lasted three weeks
The sweep began in Wilmington, Delaware, where 49 arrests were made and one firearm was seized. Arrests included individuals wanted for robbery, rape, child abuse, sexual assault, strangulation, illegal firearm possession, and child sexual exploitation.
Week two focused on Baltimore, where 36 arrests were made and two firearms seized. Offenses included attempted murder, armed robbery, assault, forcible rape of a minor, sexual assault of a minor, child abuse, and cyberstalking.
During the operation's third week, 24 arrests were made in Anne Arundel County. The individuals targeted were wanted for assault, rape, sexual abuse of a minor, desertion of a child, reckless endangerment, illegal firearm possession, robbery conspiracy, and other serious violent offenses.
"The 3-week surge reflects FBI Baltimore's daily efforts to combat violent crime and support law enforcement partners in keeping our communities safe," an FBI statement said.
The FBI shared examples of some of the wanted fugitives.
Examples of violent fugitives captured
For example, on Aug. 3, Darrio Smith was arrested in Annapolis, Maryland on a second-degree assault warrant. The arrest was in connection with an alleged assault that occurred on school property.
On Aug. 4, John Moyer was arrested in Brooklyn, Maryland, for rape in the second degree, sex abuse of a minor, and sex offense in the fourth degree, for crimes that are alleged to have occurred from Dec. 15, 2025, through Jan. 14, 2026.
On Aug. 5, Markquail Harris was arrested on a New Castle, Delaware, City Police Department warrant for rape involving a firearm. Harris is a resident of Levittown, Pennsylvania, but is accused of traveling to New Castle City to commit his crime. He's charged with first-degree rape and is being held at Howard Young Correctional Institution on $615,000 cash bail.
Collaborative efforts to continue
"By combining resources and coordinating strategic efforts, we can more effectively address violent crime and the criminals who commit it," said Acting Annapolis Police Chief Amy Miguez about the operation.
Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates said, "The results of this three-week surge demonstrate what is possible when law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels work together with a shared purpose." He added that his office "is proud to stand alongside the FBI and our law enforcement partners in identifying, apprehending, and holding accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities."
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said initiatives such as the FBI's Summer Heat 2.0, "significantly contribute to the continued decrease in violent crime." Such collaborative efforts, he noted, "we will continue working to build safer communities and create a safer Baltimore."
