RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Authorities detained 90 people in the Richmond area during a large-scale operation, known as “Operation Washout,” which targeted fugitives, known gang members and violent offenders. The operation, led by the U.S. Marshals Service, began on May 20 and lasted until May 24. 

According to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice, Operation Washout led to the seizure of six firearms, drugs and the arrest of six people on murder-related charges. The drugs seized include cocaine, marijuana, Oxycontin pills and 54 grams of heroin.       

“The resounding success of this multi-agency operation is a testament to the level of cooperation
between the individuals and the leadership from each of the participating agencies,” said Nick Proffitt,
U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Twenty-two documented members of various gangs in the Richmond and Tri-Cities area were arrested. In the release, the DOJ says the members of at least a dozen gangs were apprehended: Bloods, Crips, Gangster Disciples, Pagans, Hells Angels, Aryan Brotherhood, Stain Gang/Campaign Gang, Ward Boyz, Willow Boyz, Chippenham Money Makers, Juggalos and 5th Ward Gang. 

The U.S. Marshals Service shared a few notable arrests that took place during Operation Washout:

  • Jyahshua Hill was arrested in the animal cruelty case of ‘Tommie,’ the dog that died after being found set on fire in Richmond’s Abner Clay Park back in February.
  • Jamonte Brothers was detained after being wanted for a double murder in Hopewell. Brothers was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and abduction and one count of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. 
  • Donnel Young and Nicole Andrews were taken in after being wanted for robbery and the suspected involvement in the murder of a man, Charles P. Smith IV, in his home in the Fan District. 
  • Timon and Timothy Ward were wanted for conspiracy to commit murder and robbery. The two brothers are known gang members in Richmond, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. 

“The level of professionalism and dedication to the communities each of these officers, investigators and agents serve, displays their commitment to ensuring the safety of our citizens here in the Commonwealth. I am proud of our law enforcement partners and am humbled that the Marshals Service is a part of this team. These operations are truly the epitome of efficiency, and the results speak for themselves,” Proffitt continued. 

While the focus was on known violent offenders and gang members, Operation Washout also led to several other fugitives, who were found with the targeted individuals, being arrested. 

“Thank you to the U.S. Marshals Service and all of the participating law enforcement partners who contributed to this successful anti-violent crime initiative,” said Zach Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

The U.S. Marshals Service was assisted in the operation by federal and local authorities, including Virginia State Police, Richmond City Police, Chesterfield County Police, Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, Henrico County Police, Petersburg Police, Hopewell Police, Colonial Heights Police and many others.  

“The federal, state, and local cooperation amongst law enforcement in the Richmond Division is both tremendous and critical as we continue to fight the scourge of gun and gang violence. The brave men and women in law enforcement who put themselves at risk to apprehend these alleged criminals deserve our admiration and thanks.”

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