Operation Shake Down a radical success, according to U.S. Marshal
- WVOW
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
CHARLESTON Forty felony arrests have been made across southern West Virginia as part of a two-week law enforcement operation targeting fugitives wanted on a multitude of charges.
The U.S. Marshals Service Southern District of West Virginia CUFFED Task Force conducted the effort, known as Operation Shake Down, from May 5 through May 16.
U.S. Marshal Michael Baylous announced the results during a press conference on Tuesday, joined by representatives from the West Virginia State Police, Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and local prosecuting attorneys. He said the arrests send a clear message that violent fugitives will not find refuge in West Virginia.
“These violent fugitives have zero, zero redeeming qualities,” said Baylous. “All they do is leave a path of destruction everywhere they go, and our communities and our families are much safer when they’re locked up.”
The fugitives arrested were wanted on a wide range of felony charges, including kidnapping, sexual assault, soliciting a minor through a computer, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, armed robbery, weapons violations, child neglect creating risk of injury, burglary, and failure to register as a sex offender. Officers also recovered 40 grams of methamphetamine, one ounce of fentanyl, and five firearms during the operation.
West Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Jim Mitchell credited the success of the operation to coordination between federal, state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies.
Among the more significant arrests was 29-year-old David Argueta-Marquez, a citizen of El Salvador, was located in Kimper, Kentucky after reportedly fleeing the Logan County area. He was wanted out of Harris County, Texas for aggravated kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault of a child. Officials said Argueta-Marquez had been working in the timber industry while living in southern West Virginia. His arrest was made in coordination with authorities in eastern Kentucky. He is also under investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is suspected of being a member of the 18th Street Gang.
Another suspect, 36-year-old Kirk Donovan Thomas of Charleston, was arrested after allegedly avoiding apprehension since 2023. He was wanted for failure to register as a sex offender and was also the subject of a capias warrant out of Putnam County. Following his arrest, Thomas was charged with additional counts of failure to register in Kanawha County.
Officers also arrested 27-year-old Dwayne Edward White Jr. of Ripley on charges related to methamphetamine distribution. Investigators said White has self-reported gang affiliations.
Moreover, 53-year-old Christopher Spaulding of Ripley, who was taken into custody for possession with intent to deliver controlled substances and felony possession of a firearm. Authorities said Spaulding is associated with the Aryan Brotherhood Gang and Jokers 1% motorcycle club.
Two additional individuals were federally indicted during related investigations, including 52-year-old Ronald Tinsley of Charleston. He was indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly escaping from Bureau of Prisons custody in March. Also, 42-year-old Paul Charles Clement of Hillsboro was indicted for violating the Adam Walsh Act after reportedly failing to register as a sex offender following his move to West Virginia.
Putnam County Sheriff Bobby Eggleton said operations like this are critical to keeping West Virginia one of the safest places to live. Baylous said the CUFFED Task Force has become one of the most effective in the country due to the dedication and coordination of its members.
PHOTO | US Marshals