RICHMOND, VA. – A one week, gang enforcement operation, labeled Operation Washout, concluded on May 27, 2022, resulting in the arrests of a dozen gang members with violent criminal histories in the City of Richmond and outlying areas.
The U.S. Marshals Service in Richmond teamed up with local, state and federal law enforcement partners in the Richmond area from May 23 to May 27th to targed wanted gang members. Additional state and federal prosecutions are pending on those arrested where drug, gun or other crime evidence was seized during or subsequent to the person’s arrest.
Operation Washout Results
- Arrest of 12 wanted gang
members and 8 additional fugitives.
- Offenses charged include
Murder, Rape, Robbery, Drug Distribution, Abduction, Fireams Offenses and
Probation Violation.
- Seizure of 6 firearms including
an AK-47 type pistol. Two firearms were reported stolen.
- 1 ounce of heroin and $41,000
in cash. Additional seizures of suspected fentanyl and
pills.
- Arrested Gang
affiliations: Bloods, Crips, Gangster Disciples, Black Guerilla
Family, Highland Park, Washngton Park and 13th Street
Gang.
Operation Washout was led by the U.S. Marshals Service in partnership with the Richmond Police Department, Chesterfield Police Department, Chesterfield Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Corrections, Richmond Probation and Parole, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“The U.S. Marshals Service utilizes it’s fugitive task forces to identify, target and remove violent fugitives from the community before they can re-offend, or become the victim of a retaliatory crime themselves. While this operation was focused on wanted gang members in Richmond, we work with our state, local and federal law enforcement partners every day to safely arrest the worst of the worst in the City of Richmond and surrounding areas to make our communities safer.” Kevin Connolly, United States Marshals Service.
“There is power in pooling our resources to make a significant impact on crime here in Richmond and our neighboring communities. This kind of partnership is the force multiplier in keeping our community safe.” – Chief Gerald M. Smith, Richmond Police Department.
