Men Who Assaulted ATF Agent Sentenced to Combined 39 Years in Federal Prison

In a significant legal development, two individuals in Dallas, Texas, found themselves sentenced to a combined 39 years in federal prison for assaulting an ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) agent and another person during an undercover operation. This case highlights the serious consequences of crimes involving violence against law enforcement officers and felonious possession of firearms.

The Offenders

The two men involved in this case, Decorian Lynndale Titus, aged 19, and Damon Gentry, aged 23, faced charges through a criminal complaint in May 2023, followed by an indictment in June of the same year. Both Titus and Gentry pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including:

1. Assaulting certain officers.
2. Brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
3. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentencing

The sentencing phase of the trial occurred in September 2023 when U.S. District Judge Reed C. O'Connor handed down the punishment. Decorian Lynndale Titus received a 27-year sentence, while Damon Gentry was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison. These sentences underscore the gravity of their actions during the undercover operation.

The Incident

The events leading to this legal action unfolded on May 18, 2023, when an undercover ATF agent arranged a meeting with Titus and Gentry to purchase marijuana and firearms. During this encounter, the situation took a dangerous turn when the defendants brandished their firearms, threatened the ATF agent, and demanded both money and the agent's firearm.

Titus forcibly took the agent's gun and money and ordered him to the ground, making threats against the other individual present. In a harrowing moment, Titus and Gentry fled the scene, leaving the victims in a perilous situation. As they made their escape, Titus pointed his firearms at officers who were nearby. In response, the officers fired at Titus, hitting him and causing him to drop one of his pistols, which discharged a shot. Titus was arrested on the spot, while Gentry managed to escape but was apprehended later.

Law Enforcement Cooperation

The investigation into this incident was a collaborative effort involving various law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), ATF, Texas Rangers, Fort Worth Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Conclusion

The sentencing of Decorian Lynndale Titus and Damon Gentry serves as a stark reminder of the severe legal consequences for those who commit violent acts against law enforcement officers and engage in criminal firearm possession. It also highlights the dedication and cooperation among various law enforcement agencies in ensuring justice is served and our communities remain safe.

U.S. Marshals Apprehend Over 73,000 Fugitives in Fiscal Year 2023

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) achieved a significant milestone in fiscal year (FY) 2023, apprehending a staggering 73,362 fugitives, with 28,065 related to federal cases and 45,297 tied to state and local warrants. This remarkable feat equates to an average of 293 fugitive arrests per day over the course of 250 operational days.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco emphasized the Department of Justice's commitment to reducing violent crime by strategically targeting individuals responsible for it. The USMS played a vital role in this effort by apprehending the nation's most dangerous fugitives, contributing to safer communities.

USMS Director Ronald Davis commended the dedication of the agency's personnel, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts with state, local, federal, Tribal, and international partners in achieving these impressive results.

FY 2023 Arrest Statistics:

• Sex offenders: 10,088 arrests (including sexual assault, failure to register with the national sex offender registry, and other offenses).
• Gang members: 3,496 arrests.
• Homicide suspects: 5,447 arrests.
• International/foreign fugitives: 1,487 arrests (individuals wanted by foreign nations and believed to be in the United States).
• Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program fugitives: 1,051 arrests (OCDETF cases involve federal agencies collaborating to combat drug trafficking and money laundering organizations).
• Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act (AWA) violations: 287 arrests (AWA classifies sex offenders into tiers based on their offenses, with varying registration requirements).
• "15 Most Wanted" fugitives: Four arrests.

Additionally, the USMS seized over 4,731 firearms during violence reduction and counter-gang operations in FY 2023.

Warrants Cleared by USMS Arrests: 86,388[1]

• State and local warrants: 57,280 cleared.
• Federal warrants: 29,108 cleared.

Key Operations in FY 2023:

1. Operation North Star II (ONS II): A 30-day initiative led to the arrest of 833 fugitives, including violent criminals, sex offenders, and gang members, across multiple cities. Firearms, currency, and illegal narcotics were also seized during the operation.

2. Operation We Will Find You: A 10-week national operation resulted in the recovery or safe location of 225 endangered missing children, addressing critical cases of runaways and abductions.

3. Operation North Star III (ONS III): Over three months, the USMS apprehended 4,455 fugitives, clearing 2,818 violent warrants and confiscating firearms, currency, and illegal narcotics in 20 cities.

4. Operation Washout: Conducted in Maryland, this operation led to the arrest of 95 fugitives, including suspects wanted for homicide, attempted homicide, robbery, and weapon-related offenses. Law enforcement also seized drugs and currency.

Notable Arrests in FY 2023:

• Arrest of Michael Anthony Baltimore, a fugitive on the USMS 15 Most Wanted list, wanted for homicide, assault, and parole violation charges.
• Capture of Danilo Cavalcante, who escaped from a Pennsylvania prison after receiving a life sentence for the fatal stabbing of his ex-girlfriend.
• Arrest of Samuel Paul Hartman, who had escaped from an Arkansas prison, with assistance from his wife and others.
• Apprehension of Cherie Goss, wanted on charges of attempted first-degree murder.
• Arrest of Jason Billingsley, a suspect in the murder of tech CEO Pava LaPere.
• Recapture of Kevin Lamarr Mason, who was erroneously released from an Indiana jail.

Efforts to Find Missing Children:

In FY 2023, the USMS contributed to the location or recovery of 495 missing children. Since the passage of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, the agency has played a crucial role in finding more than 3,248 missing children.

For more information about the USMS, visit www.usmarshals.gov.

[1] The number of warrants cleared often exceeds the number of arrests because fugitives may be wanted on multiple warrants, and a single arrest can resolve all of them simultaneously.

Justice Department and AmeriCorps Join Forces to Empower Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth

In a collaborative effort aimed at transforming the lives of justice-involved youth, the Office of Justice Programs' Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has announced a significant grant of $2.5 million to AmeriCorps. This grant is poised to fund crucial service activities tailored to offer a second chance to young individuals who have faced encounters with the juvenile justice system. Together, OJJDP and AmeriCorps are addressing the multifaceted challenges that these youth encounter upon reentering their communities after being in juvenile residential or correctional facilities.

"The partnership between the Justice Department and AmeriCorps is rooted in the belief that together we will positively impact the lives of justice-involved youth by offering support, guidance, and resources to help these young people overcome obstacles and successfully contribute to their communities," expressed Amy L. Solomon, Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).

As per statistics, nearly 25,000 youth in the United States are held in residential placements. These young individuals, when returning to their families and communities, often face formidable barriers, including limited access to education and employment opportunities, which consequently heighten their risk of recidivism. The collaborative efforts between OJJDP and AmeriCorps are geared towards enhancing the welfare of the nation's youth, broadening their horizons, and equipping them with the necessary tools to transition smoothly back into their communities.

"We are proud to partner with AmeriCorps to expand services to justice-involved youth and engage them so they can make a real difference in their communities," emphasized Liz Ryan, OJJDP Administrator. "This partnership will not only improve outcomes for youth but will improve public safety."

AmeriCorps, renowned as the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, is all set to leverage this funding by providing grants to community-based programs. These grants will be instrumental in enhancing and expanding reentry services for youth, with a unique approach that includes engaging these young individuals as AmeriCorps members.

"I am thrilled to partner with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to ensure all youth have a fair and just opportunity to serve and be served," voiced Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps. "This partnership will provide us with opportunities, opportunities to connect with young people who risk falling through the cracks of our society, opportunities to welcome more people into AmeriCorps from different backgrounds, and opportunities to bolster organizations with resources and know-how to support second-chance youth."

This collaborative endeavor aligns seamlessly with OJJDP's priority of opening up possibilities for young people who come into contact with the justice system. It also stands as a testament to the Department of Justice's (DOJ) unwavering mission to reduce recidivism and enhance outcomes for youth who return to their communities following periods of confinement. The partnership between OJJDP and AmeriCorps signifies a beacon of hope, offering a brighter future for justice-involved youth and a safer, more inclusive society for us all.