Columbus, Ohio – More than 50 fugitives with active felony arrest warrants were taken into custody during a multi-agency enforcement operation targeting government-subsidized housing in central Ohio this month.
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Operation Clean House was conducted over six days and focused on locating wanted individuals allegedly living in HUD-subsidized housing while actively sought by law enforcement. Agencies involved included the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, U.S. Marshals Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST), HUD Office of Inspector General, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Authorities said the operation resulted in the apprehension of more than 50 individuals across Columbus, many of whom were wanted on serious felony charges. Notable arrests include Vincente Bonilla-Ramos, allegedly wanted for failure to register as a sex offender; Earl Scott, allegedly wanted for felony strangulation; Chelsea Murphy, allegedly wanted for drug trafficking and child endangerment; and Javon McCarty, allegedly wanted on a rape charge, according to officials.
U.S. Marshals said the operation aimed to address both public safety concerns and housing fraud by removing ineligible occupants from federally subsidized housing.
“The United States Marshals Service works daily with our federal, state, and local partners to locate and arrest violent fugitives,” said U.S. Marshal Michael D. Black. “This operation focused on those hiding in homes subsidized by taxpayer funds.”
Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin said the joint effort highlights the impact of interagency cooperation. “This effort targeted wanted felons who were inappropriately receiving HUD housing benefits, helping ensure affordable housing is available to those who truly need it,” Baldwin said.
Officials emphasized that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Anyone with information on a wanted fugitive is encouraged to submit an anonymous tip through the U.S. Marshals Service website.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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