According to a press release from the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office, Operation FALCON, a joint effort involving the U.S. Marshals Service, the S.C. Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Service and other local agencies including the sheriff’s office, lead to the arrest of 20 people with outstanding warrants.

Suspects apprehended during the sting operation were from the Kingstree, Hemingway, Cades, Lake City and Andrews areas.

Reports state that several of the suspects face charges ranging from check violations, petit larceny, probation violations, malicious injury to personal property, distribution of crack cocaine and possession of marijuana.

Approximately 186 grams of cocaine, six grams of crack cocaine and 30 grams of marijuana, along with a handgun and $1,487 was recovered by authorities during the operation that began on June 23, 2008.

The United States Marshals Service has coordinated and led Operation FALCON, a nationwide apprehension operation that is now in its fourth year.

With the combined help and resources of federal, state, city and county law enforcement agencies, the purpose of the sting is to identify, investigate and apprehend violent offenders, gang members, sex offenders, drug dealers and persons wanted on felony charges throughout the United States.

According to the United States Marshals Service website, to date, more than 11,700 people have been arrested and the past five FALCONs resulted in the capture of more than 36,500 dangerous fugitives nationwide.

Three personnel from the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Department participated in the recent Williamsburg County operation.

“I want to thank local, state and federal agencies for their joint participation. We consider this operation a success,” said Sheriff Kelvin Washington, but he added, “our department is continuing the investigation while they search for several other individuals.”

Washington expects the U.S. Marshal task force to return in the near future.