U.S. Marshals Provide Watchful Eyes During Trick or Treat

Albuquerque, NM – On Monday, October 31, 2011, Deputy United States Marshals in the District of New Mexico participated in an annual Halloween Sex Offender Compliance Operation. The overarching goal of protecting New Mexico’s children was accomplished by means of a collaborative effort that involved many agencies participating throughout the State of New Mexico. Deputy U.S. Marshals assisted with verifying the residences of registered sex offenders in many communities and while in the process of verification deputies assisted local law enforcement officers in making sure the Offenders continue to maintain compliance with their conditions of release. United States Marshal for the District of New Mexico, Conrad E. Candelaria stated “the Marshals Service for the District of New Mexico is pleased that due to the effective partnerships that exists with the many law enforcement agencies throughout the State of New Mexico, a force of good prevailed and our children and families could enjoy their Halloween festivities, knowing that sexual predators will continue to be under the watchful eye of local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies”.

In central New Mexico, Deputy Marshals were assisted by law enforcement officers from Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, New Mexico Attorney General's Office, New Mexico State Probation and Parole, U.S. Probation, Albuquerque Police Department, Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office and Rio Rancho Police Department. In northern New Mexico, the operation consisted of U.S. Marshals, Farmington Police Department, Bloomfield Police Department, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico Probation and Parole. In southern New Mexico, the operation went from Oct. 26-28, and took place in Grant, Luna, and Hidalgo counties. The participating agencies in southern NM along with Deputy Marshals were HSI Special Agents, New Mexico State Police, Grant County Sheriff's Office, Luna County Sheriff's Office, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico Probation and Parole, and Lordsburg Police Department.

The operation concluded with over 350 Sexual Offender addresses verified. There were 3 physical arrests made and 11 pending investigations opened. The operation also had law enforcement officers conduct foot patrol in the Albuquerque Cottonwood Mall. During their patrol, officers observed a man acting suspiciously; he was observed photographing children and was asked to leave the Mall.