Fugitive Sweep Nets Arrests

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – The 10-week sweep for fugitives in the region was called Operation Big Easy. Six state and local agencies joined in the program coordinated by the federal marshals. Officials say 432 fugitives were caught in the sweep. U-S Attorney Jim Letten said the marshals office has been especially effective since Hurricane Katrina.
Among the fugitives now in custody are 20 people wanted for murder, 20 for armed robbery, and more than 100 sex offenders.