The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois has announced the successful results of “Operation Safe Christmas,” a coordinated fugitive roundup that resulted in 63 arrests and the seizure of 2.5 pounds of narcotics along with $15,000 in cash.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft stated that the operation involved extensive cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI. “These results reflect weeks of planning and coordination to remove criminal elements from our streets,” Weinhoeft said.
Arrests were made across multiple Illinois counties, such as Bond, Effingham, Fayette, Madison, and St. Clair, and even extended to Atlanta, Georgia. U.S. Marshal David C. Davis highlighted the essential role of teamwork, saying, “The operation’s success was made possible through the strong collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.”
FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. S. Johnson emphasized the operation’s positive effect on community safety. “By working together, we are able to locate and apprehend individuals who drive violent crime into our communities,” Johnson said.
Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly underscored the ongoing commitment to cooperation. “ISP will continue to partner with local and federal agencies to get violent criminals off the street,” Kelly stated.
Michael Davis, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA St. Louis Field Division, praised the impact on public safety. “If members of our community are able to sleep a little easier tonight because of the joint effort… then I absolutely consider this operation a success,” Davis said.
Operation Safe Christmas is part of the broader initiative known as Operation Coast to Coast, which aims to combat violent crime and narcotic distribution throughout the region.