Operation Seven Sentinels Yields 264 Arrests, 25 Arrested on Homicide Charges

Governor Larry Hogan Joins U.S. Marshals Service to Announce Successful Operation to Tackle Crime in Baltimore City

Operation Seven Sentinels Yields 264 Arrests, 25 Arrested on Homicide Charges

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today joined the U.S. Marshals Service to announce the success of a Baltimore City-wide initiative, “Operation Seven Sentinels,” targeting the most violent fugitives. Governor Hogan requested the U.S. Marshals Service to lead the crime fighting initiative with the goal of reducing the high rate of violent crime in Baltimore City and a special emphasis on the most violent repeat offenders.

The announcement was made inside the Edward A. Garmatz U.S. Courthouse in Baltimore City. The governor joined U.S. Marshal, Johnny Hughes; Baltimore City Police, Commissioner Michael Harrison; Maryland State Police Superintendent, Bill Pallozzi; FBI Baltimore Acting Special Agent in Charge, Jennifer Moore; FBI Violent Crimes Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Brian Nadeau; the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention Executive Director, Glenn Fueston, and other state and local leaders.

“I want to commend the U.S. Marshals Service for the excellent work that you do and especially for your latest efforts over the past few weeks in Baltimore City,” said Governor Hogan. “The successful execution of Operation Seven Sentinels proves our administration not only remains committed to backing up the Baltimore City Police in their mission to protect the citizens of Baltimore, but that we are laser focused on removing the most violent criminals from the streets.”

Operation Seven Sentinels took place from February 11 through March 21, 2019, resulting in 264 total arrests, the majority of which were for violent offenses, to include 25 individuals arrested on homicide charges. Additional intelligence gathering efforts resulted in identifying the perpetrators of two unsolved homicides, the recovery of endangered children, seizure of several weapons, drugs, and U.S. currency, the dismantling of a commercial theft ring, and the identification of dozens of previously unidentified street gang members.

The governor also visited Roberta’s House and spoke with grieving families who have experienced the death of a loved one in the high-crime areas of Baltimore City. Roberta's House is a nonprofit organization that provides support services and a safe place to share memories and experiences in an atmosphere of acceptance with the support of trained volunteers.

In early January 2019, Governor Larry Hogan announced a series of initiatives and legislation to address violent crime in Baltimore City, through a multi-pronged approach of enforcement, prevention, legislation, and victim services. The governor committed nearly $13 million and introduced two new pieces of legislation to utilize all resources available to create the strongest state enforcement presence ever within Baltimore City.

The Hogan administration has proven successful in executing crime-fighting strategies, most notably the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network (MCIN). Announced by Governor Hogan in December 2017, MCIN is a criminal justice strategy, coordinated at the local, state, and federal levels targeting gangs, drug, firearms, and human trafficking. MCIN is funded by the Hogan administration through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention (GOCCP). In 2018, MCIN operations resulted in 163 criminal organizations identified, 269 criminal organizations disrupted or dismantled, $3.64 million drugs seized, 201 individuals prosecuted, 65 convictions, 237 firearms seized and 41 human trafficking victims recovered.

Additional funds provided statewide by GOCCP grants have resulted in 176,892 victims served,16,543 youth served, 10,101 warrants served, 26,726 protective orders issued 6,937 guns seized and 595 gun cases referred for federal prosecution. GOCCP has consistently provided $11-13.7M per year in funding to Baltimore City under this administration, with FY19 being the highest year of funding to date.