U.S. Marshals round up 37 fugitives, majority from Cedar Rapids area

The U.S. Marshals Service Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force recently wrapped up “Operation Corridor Roundup,” a 60-day effort in which 37 fugitives were arrested, 51 warrants cleared and numerous firearms and narcotics seized, the task force said Tuesday.

The task force, along with Cedar Rapids Police and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, were involved in the roundup across four states to investigate, locate and apprehend “violent fugitives,” according to a news release.

The operation started in April and focused on the Cedar Rapids area. About 90 percent of the individuals were from Cedar Rapids and Linn County area.

Law enforcement targeted individuals wanted for offenses such as murder, attempted murder, sexual abuse, burglary, robbery, kidnapping, child endangerment, felony assault, firearm offenses and failure to register as a sex offender.

Those arrested from Cedar Rapids include:

— Brad Meisterling, 40, arrested for third-degree sex abuse

— Nathaniel Nelson, 20, intimidation with a dangerous weapon/trafficking stolen weapon used in a crime and four other firearm charges

— Jeremiah Coop, 23, first-degree murder

— Baynon Berry, 16, first-degree murder

— Frank Acevedo, 53, sex abuse

— Luwize Ndihokubawo, 22, intimidation with a dangerous weapon and five other firearm charges

— Dayton Gaal, 25, child endangerment and possession of controlled substance

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— Mikhel Snyder, 20, revocation of probation-willful injury with a dangerous weapon

— Antoine Hendricks, 46, failure to register as a sex offender

— Quinton Jones, 29, kidnapping and robbery

The task force — Cedar Rapids Division — coordinated the efforts of participating agencies, including Cedar Rapids, Marion and Waterloo police departments; Linn County Sheriff’s Office; Iowa Department of Public Safety — Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI); Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); Iowa Department of Correctional Services — High-Risk Unit; Linn County Attorney’s Office; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa.

“The success of Operation Corridor Roundup reflects the dedication and commitment of these law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of the Cedar Rapids community,” Acting U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Iowa Christopher Barther said in a statement. “By swiftly apprehending these violent fugitives, this joint effort has effectively mitigated threats posed by these individuals involved in serious criminal activities.”

Cedar Rapids Interim Police Chief Tom Jonker said operations like this one are critical to the safety of the community and surrounding areas.

“The Cedar Rapids Police Department shares a strong, professional bond with the other members of the Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force and when we can collaborate on an effort that clears 51 warrants, the result is definitely worth the effort,” Jonker said.

The U.S. Marshals Service is the federal government’s primary agency for fugitive investigations. Nationwide, more than 50 local task forces are dedicated to violent crime reduction by locating and apprehending wanted criminals. These task forces also serve as the central point for agencies to share information on fugitive matters.

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