U.S. Marshals Announce Operation Washout/Spring Cleaning Arrests

Baton Rouge, LA – In support of the U.S. Department of Justice efforts to reduce violent crime, the Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force (MLFTF) of the U.S. Marshals Service conducted "Operation Washout/Spring Cleaning" targeting violent fugitives and noncompliant sex offenders during the month of March in the greater Baton Rouge area. The MLFTF finished the operation with 87 arrests.

"This was another example of what can be accomplished with continuing law enforcement teamwork," said U.S. Marshal Bill Brown for the Middle District of Louisiana. "I am very proud of our long-term partnerships with other local, state and federal agencies in combating violent crime."

Notable Arrests:

Demetriyon Grim was wanted by the Chambers County Texas Sheriff's Office for money laundering, and by the Baton Rouge Police Department as a homicide suspect. The Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force located Grim on Lockhaven Avenue in Baton Rouge. With the assistance of the Baton Rouge Police Department SWAT, entry was made and Grim was arrested without incident. After a search warrant was executed, Baton Rouge Police Department detectives seized $37,000 in cash, several hundred doses of Ecstasy, marijuana and a handgun.

James Douglas was wanted by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office for second-degree murder. Upon arrest, members of the Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force accompanied by East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office detectives were able to secure a Heckler and Koch .40 Caliber handgun from Douglas, who is a convicted felon.

Charles Johnson was wanted by the Baton Rouge Police Department for second degree murder and illegal use of a weapon. During a search incident to arrest, a Taurus .40 caliber pistol was found on Johnson's person.

Michael Scarbrough was wanted by the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office for attempted second degree murder and domestic abuse battery by strangulation. As Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force members were effecting the arrest, one of Scarbrough's associates began having a cardiac emergency. Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force members performed CPR for over 15 minutes while waiting on EMS to arrive. The Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force was later notified by EMS that the associate was stabilized on the way to the hospital. Methamphetamine was discovered at the time of the arrest.

The U.S. Marshals (USMS) Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force is primarily composed of the U.S. Marshals Service, Baton Rouge Police Department, West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office, Louisiana Probation and Parole, U.S. Border Patrol and the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office. Their primary mission is to arrest violent offenders.