Fugitive Task Force Arrests 23 in Heroin and Opiate Sweep

Concord, NH — The U.S. Marshals-NH Joint Fugitive Task Force initiated an operation targeting heroin and opiate dealers and users in New Hampshire for a two-week period in May resulting in the arrests of 23 fugitives.

The warrant sweep, which was dubbed “Operation Dragon Slayer” and headed up by the U.S. Marshals Service in conjunction with Belknap, Hillsborough, and Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, took place between May 5th and May 23rd, and targeted 40 wanted felons with a history of heroin and opiate sales or use. The focus of the sweep was to locate and find heroin and opiate dealers and users who may pose a risk to New Hampshire communities by committing further crimes to feed their habits or deter the sales of heroin. More arrests are expected within the next few weeks.

U.S. Marshal David Cargill, Jr., said, “Operation Dragon Slayer was a great success and the United States Marshals Service is committed to assisting state, county and local law enforcement in rounding up those involved in this addictive drug problem.” Cargill added, “I would like to thank the citizens of New Hampshire for their continued support in assisting the task force with tips and leads. We will continue to locate and arrest all of those involved in the trafficking of illegal drugs in our communities.”

During this time period a team of 8 deputy U.S. Marshals and Sheriff’s deputies worked days and evenings covering several New Hampshire communities. Those arrested during this effort:

    Matthew Stark 25, of Laconia

    Stephen Brue 30, of Laconia

    Eric Lewis 26, of Gilford

    Alex Nieves 35, of Franklin

    Jacqualyn Oliver 26, of Laconia

    Nicholas Cloutier 25, of Manchester

    Allen Irwin 26, of Manchester

    Brendan Francis 23, of Manchester

    Anna Bourque 26, of Manchester

    Adam Jenna 34, of Franklin

    Gina Mackie 39, of Sandown

    David Major 44, of Derry

    Amanda Lee 21, of Hampstead

    Pauline Gaffney 24, of Derry

    Justin Knowles 35, of Hampton

    Adam Stevens 31, of Nottingham

    James Fernekees 48, of Salem

    Ryan Leclair 29, of Hampton

    Mark Schwarz 40, of Hampton

    Matthew Shea 33, of Somersworth

    Karen Boyland 55, of Sunapee

    Justin Cassidy 23, of Henniker

    Taylor Bacon 18, of Hillsborough

Since the inception of the New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force in 2002, these partnerships have resulted in over 5,523 arrests. These arrests have ranged in seriousness from murder, assault, unregistered sex offenders, probation and parole violations and numerous other serious offenses. Nationally the United States Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 85 local fugitive task forces, 7 regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries.