152 fugitives arrested in Cumberland County crime crackdown

Dozens of Cumberland County's most wanted fugitives are off the street after "Operation Swift Justice," a three-day round-up involving more than 100 local, state and federal law enforcement officers from across the state.

Posted 7:36 p.m. Jul 19, 2012 — Updated 7:40 p.m. Jul 19, 2012

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Dozens of Cumberland County's most wanted fugitives are off the street after a round-up involving more than 100 local, state and federal law enforcement officers from across the state.

The U.S. Marshals Service said Thursday that authorities arrested 152 people during the three-day "Operation Swift Justice," which targeted those wanted on major felony crimes.

Authorities also seized two firearms along with various quantities of crack cocaine.

Additional arrests are expected as officers follow up on information they received during the operation, the Marshals Service said.

Law enforcement officials credited the cooperation of authorities from agencies – including the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, FBI and police in Fayetteville, Hope Mills and Spring Lake – for a successful operation.

"We all accomplish so much more when we have the opportunity to work together as a team," Cumberland County Sheriff Earl "Moose" Butler said in a statement. "Pooling our resources and skills ensures that justice will be served in our community."

Scott Parker, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina, said in a statement that Operation Swift Justice highlights the impact that combining law enforcement resources can have on a specific area in a short period of time.

"It lets the public know that the federal, state and local law enforcement officers in Fayetteville and Cumberland County work together each and every day to ensure that this community is safe from individuals attempting to avoid prosecution," he said.

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