40 fugitives nabbed in Maine during ‘Operation Triple Beam’

PORTLAND — In a collaborative law enforcement effort, the U.S. Marshals Service, District of Maine, announced the arrest of 40 fugitives following a month-long initiative known as “Operation Triple Beam.”

The operation, which concluded recently, was a partnership between federal, state, and local agencies, including the Lewiston and Biddeford Police Departments.

Operation Triple Beam (OTB) is a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Marshals Service, focusing on regions beset by violent crime.

The operation’s objective is to create safer communities by significantly reducing instances of violent crime.

The Maine Violent Offender Task Force, in concert with local law enforcement, zeroed in on Lewiston and Biddeford to tackle violent criminal activities.

Throughout the operation, law enforcement agencies worked together to apprehend fugitives linked to a variety of violent crimes, such as drug and sex offenses, human trafficking, illegal weapons possession, and other violent acts.

All individuals arrested had ties to Maine.

Kevin Neal, the Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Maine, highlighted the collaborative effort’s success. “The United States Marshals Service is committed to working shoulder to shoulder with our federal, state, and local partners to reduce violent crime in our communities.

Today’s announcement is further proof of how impactful these partnerships are,” Neal stated.

He emphasized the ongoing commitment to curbing violence in Maine and beyond.

The Lewiston Police Department also expressed gratitude for the support from federal partners.

Chief Dave St. Pierre remarked on the importance of these relationships in enhancing safety in Lewiston.

The operation received considerable support from local law enforcement, including the Auburn and Saco Police Departments, the York and Waldo County Sheriff’s Offices, and the USMS District of Massachusetts Fugitive Task Force.

The Maine Violent Offender Task Force includes members from various agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service, Maine Department of Corrections, Biddeford Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Maine National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.