Tips Lead to the Arrest of U.S. 'Marshals 'Fugitive of the Week' and Others in Rochester

ips Lead to the Arrest of U.S. 'Marshals 'Fugitive of the Week' and Others in Rochester

Concord, NH – This afternoon, “Fugitive of the Week” Derek Parker, 30 was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force at a residence on D’Amours Avenue in Rochester, New Hampshire. Parker was wanted on an outstanding federal arrest warrant issued out of the U.S. District Court in Portland, Maine. Parker was indicted by the DEA for conspiracy to distribute heroin after a large scale investigation in the New England area involving many different law enforcement agencies.

Since the issuance of this arrest warrant, Parker has been on the run and in hiding with his fugitive girlfriend, Kayla Kenny and their four year old child. As part of this investigation, Parker was to be featured as the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force’s weekly feature known as the “Fugitive of the Week” on May 30, 2013. The “Fugitive of the Week” is broadcast on WTPL-FM, WMUR-TV, the Union Leader, the Nashua Telegraph and is prominently featured on the internet. Today, WMUR-TV featured Parker as the part of their “Most Wanted Wednesdays” series. This feature ultimately led tipsters to contact the Rochester Police Department this afternoon with very accurate information. Members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force quickly acted on this information, which led to the location and arrest of Derek Parker, his girlfriend Kayla Kenny and the recovery of their four year old child.

U.S. Marshal David Cargill, Jr. said, “This case truly had law enforcement concerned, since Parker was on the run with his fugitive girlfriend and their four year old child.” Cargill continued, “To think that parents would potentially jeopardize the safety of their young child by going on the run with a toddler is unconscionable.”

Kayla Kenny, 27 was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant for possession of a controlled drug and is currently being held at the Strafford County Jail pending her next court appearance. Parker is being held as a U.S. Marshals prisoner for the District of Maine at the Strafford County Jail pending his initial court appearance in Portland, Maine tomorrow. The young child was in good condition and released to family members.

Members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force that assisted in this arrest included; Strafford County Sheriff’s Office, the Rochester Police Department and NH Probation and Parole.

Since the inception of the New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force in 2002, these partnerships have resulted in over 5,370 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.

Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Coercing and Enticing a Minor to Perform in an Online Sex Show

A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to serve 12 years in prison for coercing and enticing a minor and possessing child pornography, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania David J. Hickton; and Special Agent in Charge John Kelleghan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Philadelphia.

 

Jeffrey W. Herschell, 54, of Washington, Pa., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David Stewart Cercone in the Western District of Pennsylvania.  According to a statement of facts entered into the record by the government and agreed to by the defendant, Herschell sent money to the Philippines in February 2010 for a live, online sex show that included a 12-year-old minor female engaging in sexual activity.  Herschell also admitted to possessing child pornography videos at his Pennsylvania residence.

 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Bonnie L. Kane of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).  This case was investigated by ICE-HSI Pittsburgh and the ICE-HSI Attache’s Office in the Philippines with significant assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation (Philippines) and the Philippine National Police.

 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Cannon, community observe National Police Week

by Senior Airman Ericka Engblom
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

5/20/2013 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- They are seen every day.

Standing in line at the gas station, walking with their children to the bus stop, buying groceries, one of the masses--nobody important. When they don their uniform, everything changes. They become the protectors, the ones who are called upon in times of need, the ones who keep us safe. The events of National Police Week gave thanks to law enforcement officials across the nation.

Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., celebrated National Police Week with several events May 13 through 17.

Twenty-six members competed in a pistol shoot at the shoot house on base. Troops were required to shoot targets from a variety of positions after completing an array of exercises. Staff Sgt. Jonathan Vahl, 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, won with a score 213 out of 230. Capt. Scott Haselden, 27th SOSFS, placed second with a score of 205.

Six teams participated in the obstacle course. Three teams were from the 27th SOSFS, two were from the Cannon Fire Department, and one was a group of CrossFit athletes. Team Planeter's from the 27th SOSFS won with a time of 8 minutes and 52 seconds.

A retreat ceremony was held in front of Building 1 to honor those in law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. During the event a prayer was said for the fallen heroes and their families. The name of each officer who died in the line of duty this year, including each fallen K-9, was read. The ceremony concluded with the folding of the American flag by the base Honor Guard.

The events of the week ended with the 27th SOSFS dog handlers putting on a display of their abilities.

The observance of National Police Week allowed the local community an opportunity to honor the men and women who sacrifice both their time and safety for others.

Terry Bryant Houstons Personal Injury Attorney

Suffering from a serious accident can be life changing. Accidents and personal injuries that are no fault of our own can often take a psychological toll as well as a physical one. With all of the procedures involved with legal proceedings, it is important to have someone by your side that can handle your case properly. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can rest assured knowing that your case is being handled. Terry Bryant Houstons Personal Injury Attorney works with individuals who have suffered from a serious injury. His goal is to help as many people as possible navigate through the legal system and receive compensation when entitled. His 25 years of experience, including time working as a Judge, has given him an intimate understanding of how the system works. He is also able to gather every piece of information he needs in order to defend you and your case properly. If you had a serious injury in the past, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. It is difficult to try and get this compensation on your own, and an attorney should be consulted. The attorney can help you to gather everything you need to make your case and get the compensation that you deserve.

Sixth Former Roxbury Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty, Admits Assault of Inmate and Cover-up Conspiracy

Jeremy McCusker, a former correctional officer at Roxbury Correctional Institution (RCI) in Hagerstown, Md., yesterday pleaded guilty to assaulting an inmate and conspiring with other officers to cover up that assault.  McCusker is the sixth former RCI officer to enter a guilty plea in federal court. 

 

According to court documents filed in connection with his guilty plea, McCusker admitted that, during the midnight shift on March 8-9, 2008, he, Lanny Harris, Philip Mayo and two other RCI officers were involved in an assault of an inmate, identified by the initials K.D.   McCusker acknowledged that he and other RCI officers assaulted K.D. in order to punish him for striking an officer during a prior shift.

McCusker also admitted that he and other RCI officers discussed how they would cover up their involvement in the assault of K.D.  McCusker admitted that he provided false and misleading information to federal and state authorities in an effort to cover up his involvement in the assault.

           

“Mr. McCusker has admitted that he and other correctional officers assaulted an inmate in order to punish him and that they subsequently conspired to cover up their criminal conduct,” said Roy L. Austin Jr., Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.  “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute officers who use their official position to both commit and cover up violations of federal criminal law.”

 

McCusker faces a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.  Sentencing is set for Aug. 23, 2013, before U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar.

 

In related cases before Judge Bredar, former RCI Correctional Officers Ryan Lohr, Philip Mayo, Dustin Norris, Walter Steele, and Lanny Harris each has entered a guilty plea.  Nine other current or former RCI officers still face federal charges in connection with the alleged assault of K.D.   

 

The investigation by the Frederick Resident Agency of the FBI is ongoing.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Forrest Christian and Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, with the assistance of Michael Cunningham of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.

Three Defendants Plead Guilty to Participating in Ambush Murder and Attempted Murder of Ice Agents in Mexico

Julian Zapata Espinoza, also known as “Piolin,” 32, pleaded guilty today to the murder of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agent Jaime Zapata and the attempted murder of ICE Special Agent Victor Avila in Mexico.  The court also unsealed today the guilty pleas of three other defendants on related murder, attempted murder, racketeering and accessory charges.

The guilty pleas, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, were announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ronald C. Machen Jr.; Assistant Director Ronald T. Hosko of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division; and ICE Director John Morton.
 
As set forth in court filings, on Feb. 15, 2011, Espinoza, a commander in Los Zetas Cartel, a heavily armed Mexican narco-trafficking cartel and transnational criminal organization, attempted to hijack Special Agent Zapata’s and Special Agent Avila’s armored government vehicle as the agents were driving on Highway 57 in San Luis Potosi.  Two armed Zetas hit squads, or “estacas,” forced the agents off the road and surrounded their vehicle.  Espinoza, the leader of the attack, ordered the agents to exit their vehicle.  When the agents refused and attempted to identify themselves as American diplomats from the U.S. Embassy, the hit squad members fired weapons near and into the vehicle, striking both agents.  Estaca members continued to fire at the vehicle as the agents attempted to escape by driving away.  Special Agent Zapata died as a result of the gunshot wounds he suffered during the attack, and Special Agent Avila was seriously injured.

On April 19, 2011, Espinoza was indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia on multiple counts pertaining to the murder of ICE Special Agent Zapata and the attempted murder of ICE Special Agent Avila and, on Dec. 20, 2011, was extradited from Mexico to the United States.  This morning, the defendant entered a guilty plea before Chief Judge Royce C. Lamberth to the murder of Special Agent Zapata, an officer and employee of the United States, and the attempted murder of Special Agent Avila, an officer and employee of the United States.

In addition to the announcing the guilty plea of Espinoza, prosecutors also announced related guilty pleas by three other defendants.  Ruben Dario Venegas Rivera, also known as “Catracho,” 25, pleaded guilty on Aug. 1, 2011, to federal charges concerning the murder of Special Agent Zapata and attempted murder of Special Agent Avila.  Jose Ismael Nava Villagran, also known as “Cacho,” 30, pleaded guilty on Jan. 4, 2012, also to federal charges concerning the murder and attempted murder of the ICE agents.  Francisco Carbajal Flores, also known as “Dalmata,” 38, pleaded guilty on Jan. 10, 2012, to conspiracy to conduct the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity and to being an accessory after the fact to the murder and attempted murder of the ICE agents.

As part of their guilty pleas, Espinoza, Rivera and Villagran admitted to being members of a Los Zetas hit squad and to participating directly in the Feb. 15, 2011, ambush of the two Special Agents.  The fourth defendant, Flores, acknowledged assisting Zetas members after the Feb. 15 attack.

  All four defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison.  No sentencing date has been set for the defendants.

“Special Agent Zapata died for his country in a senseless and brutal attack, and Special Agent Avila was grievously wounded in the same ambush by members of Los Zetas Cartel,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Raman. “Both men are American heroes who dedicated themselves to protecting the United States, only to be attacked by vicious thugs.  I hope that today’s announcement of guilty pleas by the Cartel members directly responsible for the attack brings some measure of justice to the victims and their families.  A team of dedicated prosecutors and investigators has worked day and night to identify and hold these defendants accountable.  Our work is far from over, and we will continue to devote our full resources and work with our law enforcement partners here and abroad to investigate and prosecute those responsible.”
“The deadly ambush of two highly dedicated and courageous American law enforcement officers by the Los Zetas drug cartel demanded an intense, dedicated and forceful response,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “The message to any criminal who dares to commit an act of violence against a U.S. law enforcement officer serving in a foreign land is unmistakable - if you commit such a heinous crime, we will not forget, we will not falter, and we will not rest until you are brought to justice.  Our work in this critical case will continue until all of those who participated in the murder of Special Agent Zapata and attempted murder of Special Agent Avila are held accountable.”

“With the assistance of our law enforcement partners, assailants responsible for murdering Agent Zapata and wounding Agent Avila have been brought to justice,” said FBI Assistant Director Hosko.  “While there is nothing we can do to change what happened that fateful day in Mexico, let it be known that an attack against any federal agent serving his or her country is an attack on all federal agents and as such remains a priority for the FBI until those responsible are brought to justice.”

“Today’s announcement is a very important milestone in the effort to see that justice is served in the murder of ICE Special Agent Zapata and the attempted murder of ICE Special Agent Victor Avila,” said ICE Director Morton. “Both men were trying to make the world a safer place, and today’s result is a very welcome step to honor their service and sacrifice.”

This case is being investigated by the FBI, with substantial assistance from ICE, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Customs and Border Protection, the Diplomatic Security Service and the U.S. Marshals Service. 

The case is being prosecuted by the Organized Crime and Gang Section and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.  The Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division provided substantial assistance.

Former Chicago Police Officer and Two Members of Latin Kings Street Gang Sentenced in Indiana for Racketeering Conspiracy and Related Crimes

A former Chicago police officer and two members of the Latin Kings street gang were sentenced to prison today in Hammond, Ind., federal court for racketeering conspiracy and related crimes.

Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney David Capp of the Northern District of Indiana made the announcement following the sentencing hearings before U.S. District Judge Rudy Lozano in the Northern District of Indiana.

A former officer with the Chicago Police Department, Antonio C. Martinez, Jr., 40, of Chicago, was sentenced today to 144 months in prison after pleading guilty on Nov. 18, 2011, to racketeering, drug, and robbery conspiracies and other related charges. According to court records, Martinez and another officer committed armed robberies on behalf of a Latin Kings gang member – in some instances while in uniform and driving police-issued vehicles. They stole drugs, weapons and cash, and in some instances they were given a portion of the funds they stole as payment for committing the armed robberies.

Hiluterio Chavez, aka “Tails,” 37, of Chicago, was sentenced today to 240 months in prison after pleading guilty on Jan. 24, 2012, to racketeering and drug conspiracies. Chavez, who became a Latin Kings member at an earlier age, admitted in court that he traveled with other Latin Kings leadership from the Chicago area to Texas to facilitate the organization of the Latin Kings in Texas and to ensure their allegiance to the Chicago Latin Kings. Among other crimes, Chavez participated in a robbery with Martinez and presented himself as a law enforcement officer.

Jermaine Ellis, aka “J-Dub,” 21, of Chicago, was sentenced today to 205 months in prison after pleading guilty on July 30, 2010, to racketeering conspiracy. Ellis, who also became a Latin Kings member at an early age, admitted that while a juvenile he participated in the shooting deaths of James Walsh and Gonzalo Diaz in Griffith, Ind., on Feb. 25, 2007.

Court records allege that the Latin Kings is a nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States.  The Latin Kings is a well-organized street gang that has specific leadership and is composed of regions that include multiple chapters.

The Latin Kings enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, assault and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the Latin Kings.  Members are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, including taking on assignments often referred to as “missions.”

Twenty-three Latin Kings members and associates have been indicted in this case.  Aside from Martinez, Ellis and Chavez, 19 of the other defendants pleaded guilty and one remains a fugitive. 

This case was investigated by the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; ICE Homeland Security Investigations; the National Gang Intelligence Center; the Chicago Police Department; the Houston Police Department; the Griffith Police Department; the Highland Police Department; the Hammond Police Department; and the East Chicago Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Joseph A. Cooley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and David J. Nozick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana.  Andrew Porter of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois provided significant assistance.

Justice Department Reaches Settlement to Reform the Missoula, Mont. Police Department's Response to Sexual Assault

The Department of Justice today reached a comprehensive agreement with the Missoula, Mont., Police Department to ensure that the police department fairly and effectively responds to reports of sexual assault.  In May 2012, the Justice Department launched an investigation into allegations that the Missoula Police Department was failing to adequately respond to and investigate reports of sexual assault, due to unlawful gender discrimination in violation of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, and the anti-discrimination provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.  The Agreement announced today resolves the Justice Department’s investigation of the Missoula Police Department.  The department also released a letter of findings outlining the results of the investigation.

 

The agreement with the Missoula Police Department requires that the police department:

 

• implement or revise policies, provide training and change practices to improve its response to sexual assault, including combating gender bias;
• work with an independent Monitor, community-based organizations and other stakeholders, to develop and implement the reforms described in the agreement, and to evaluate OPS’ success in effecting meaningful reform;
• demonstrate that its implementation of the agreement has eliminated a pattern or practice of constitutional violations and that it has put in place systems and oversight that will prevent patterns or practices of unconstitutional conduct from recurring; and
• develop procedures for gathering and analyzing data to assess the incidence and outcomes of reports of sexual assault.

 

  The city of Missoula anticipates that it will achieve compliance with this agreement within two years.

“A police department cannot truly protect women in its community without being prepared to respond to reports of sexual assault effectively and without bias,” said Roy L. Austin Jr., Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.  “Equal access to the protection of police and the courts is a matter of basic justice.  We commend the City of Missoula and the Missoula Police Department for its cooperation and for taking the steps necessary to maintain women’s safety and promote the community’s confidence in its police response to sexual assault.  The leadership of Mayor Engen and Chief Muir has been indispensable to this process.”

 

“As the first responder to most reports of sexual assault in Missoula, the Missoula Police Department plays an absolutely critical role in protecting women victims of sexual assault and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual assault are brought to justice,” said Michael Cotter, U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana.  “This agreement will ensure that the department’s officers and detectives are fully prepared to play that role.”

 

The Justice Department’s review of the Missoula Police Department was one of three simultaneous civil pattern or practice investigations into allegations that law enforcement was systematically failing to protect women victims of sexual assault in Missoula.  Alongside its investigation of the Missoula Police Department, the Justice Department conducted parallel investigations of the Missoula County Attorney’s Office and the University of Montana’s Office of Public Safety.  Last week, the Justice Department and the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights entered into twin agreements with the University of Montana to address the university’s response to reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment on campus; those agreements resolved the Justice Department investigation of the university’s Office of Public Safety.  The Justice Department’s investigation of the Missoula County Attorney’s Office is ongoing. 

The investigation was conducted jointly by the Special Litigation Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana.  The prevention of sex-based discrimination is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Offices.  The Civil Rights Division has worked to ensure that women are not subject to discriminatory practices related to police services in New Orleans, Puerto Rico and elsewhere.  Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.  Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana is available on its website at www.justice.gov/usao/mt.

U.S. Marshals Arrest York Murder Fugitive in Memphis

Fatal shooting occurred in February 2013

Harrisburg, PA – Today, United States Marshal Martin J. Pane announced the arrest of Derrick Eugene Johnson, a 23-year old man, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Johnson was being sought for a homicide that occurred on February 17, 2013 in the 600 block of East Market Street in York. The victim, a 21 year old male, died from gunshot wounds.

On March 11, an arrest warrant was issued by Magisterial District Judge Linda Williams, charging Johnson with Criminal Homicide.

At the request of the York City Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force in the Middle District of Pennsylvania began investigating the whereabouts of Johnson shortly after the murder. U.S. Marshals based in Harrisburg developed information that Johnson may have fled to the greater Memphis area. An investigative lead was sent to U.S. Marshals Service personnel based in Memphis.

During the evening hours of May 13, U.S. Marshals Service personnel located and arrested Johnson in Memphis. The fugitive was taken into custody without incident.

Johnson was turned over to local authorities for processing, and subsequently lodged in the Shelby County Criminal Justice Complex. He will await a local hearing to determine his extradition to York.

United States Marshal Martin J. Pane stated, “This investigation demonstrates the Marshals Service’s ability to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies to bring this alleged murderer to justice. It is our top priority to arrest violent crime fugitives, especially those who have no regard for human life.”

U.S. Marshals were assisted by personnel from the York City Police Department. This agency is a participating member of the USMS Fugitive Task Force in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Additional assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, as well as Deputy U.S. Marshals from the Western District of Tennessee.

The concept of all USMS-led fugitive task forces is to seek out and arrest the nation’s most dangerous offenders.

American Flag at Half Staff for Peace Officers' Memorial Day on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Presidential Proclamation:

 

Peace Officers' Memorial Day and Police Week, 2013

 

Day after day, police officers in every corner of America suit up, put on the badge, and carry out their sworn duty to protect and serve. They step out the door every morning without considering bravery or heroics. They stay focused on meeting their responsibilities. They concentrate on keeping their neighborhoods safe and doing right by their fellow officers. And with quiet courage, they help fulfill the demanding yet vital task of shielding our people from harm. It is work that deserves our deepest respect -- because when darkness and danger would threaten the peace, our police officers are there to step in, ready to lay down their lives to protect our own.

This week, we pay solemn tribute to men and women who did. Setting aside fear and doubt, these officers made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the rule of law and the communities they loved. They heard the call to serve and answered it; braved the line of fire; charged toward the danger. Our hearts are heavy with their loss, and on Peace Officers Memorial Day, our Nation comes together to reflect on the legacy they left us.

As we mark this occasion, let us remember that we can do no greater service to those who perished than by upholding what they fought to protect. That means doing everything we can to make our communities safer. It means putting cops back on the beat and supporting them with the tools and training they need. It means getting weapons of war off our streets and keeping guns out of the hands of criminals -- common-sense measures that would reduce gun violence and help officers do their job safely and effectively.

Together, we can accomplish those goals. So as we take this time to honor law enforcement in big cities and small towns all across our country, let us join them in pursuit of a brighter tomorrow. Our police officers serve and sacrifice on our behalf every day, and as citizens, we owe them nothing less than our full and lasting support.

By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103-322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the week in which it falls as "Police Week."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2013, as Peace Officers' Memorial Day and May 12 through May 18, 2013, as Police Week. I call upon all Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also call on Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers' Memorial Day. I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses on that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA