Violent Fugitive Task Force Successful in Midwest Arrests

Agents from the U.S. Marshal Service Western District of Missouri announced last week the arrests of seven Southwest Missouri fugitives in the Springfield area. The fugitives were charged with a range of violent and drug related crimes as part of the Violent Fugitive Task Force’s ongoing mission to combat conflicts in the region.

Jason Wages and Charles Horner had both been previously arrested for burglary and assault, respectively. After failing to appear in court for their offenses, warrants for both men’s arrests were issued.

Regina Horner, Charles Horner’s mother, was arrested for felony drug offenses alongside her son in May 2018. A traffic stop resulted in the discovery of heroin in their vehicle. Warrants were issued for the arrests of both Horners earlier this year: Regina for felony drug charges, Charles for multiple accounts of drug possession and assault.

U.S. Marshal Officers also fulfilled arrest warrants on two individuals charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Charges originated in the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The final two executed warrants were for Karie Kerr, charged with felony possession of a controlled substance, and Zackery Volner who was charged with first degree robbery.

These arrest were carried out by the U.S. Marshals Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force in cooperation with members of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, the Springfield Police Department, and the Joplin Police Department.

According to the U.S. Marshals Service, the task force objectives are to seek out and arrest fugitives charged with violent crimes, drug offenses, sex offenses, and other serious felonies. Nationally the United States Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 85 local fugitive task forces, and 7 regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries.

U.S. Marshal Mark S. James said of the arrests, “I appreciate the support Sheriff Arnott, Sheriff Cole, Chief Williams and Chief Stewart have given to this task force effort. This task force works tirelessly to make southwest Missouri safer.”