U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal Announce Results of Community Safety Sweep to Arrest Fugitives and Violent Offenders in Operation Repeat Offender Project

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons, United States Marshal Dan Satterlee, and Sioux Falls Chief of Police Jon Thum, along with representatives of other law enforcement agencies, held a joint press conference at the Sioux Falls Police Department on Thursday, July 16, 2026, to announce the overall impact of a local three-day Homeland Security Taskforce, Operation Repeat Offender Project.

Operation Repeat Offender Project was a collaborative federal, state, and local law enforcement operation in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area conducted the week of July 6, 2026, that targeted fugitives, parole absconders, gang members, and their associates. The operation resulted in the arrest of 35 individuals, 11 of whom received additional new felony state charges.

"With surgical precision, this successful joint operation, conducted by a team of dedicated law enforcement officers risking their lives, has removed dangerous fugitives from our community and returned them to where they belong-behind bars," said U.S. Attorney Parsons.

"These operations highlight the great work that goes on every day in South Dakota. Partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies are the backbone to South Dakota's law enforcement efforts and continue to keep our communities as safe as possible," said U.S. Marshal Satterlee. "Deputy U.S. Marshals and our task force partners carry out this dangerous work on a daily basis throughout the state and will continue to do so for a safer South Dakota."

"The success of this three-day operation highlights the power of collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies," said HSI St. Paul Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy. "By joining forces as a unified law enforcement community, we are able to deliver meaningful results and advance our shared mission of safeguarding the public. This operation is a clear demonstration of our unwavering commitment to public safety."

"We continue to demonstrate within our community that we are strongest when collaborating together. This joint law-enforcement operation is another classic example of how effective we can be when we join forces. When law-enforcement works well together, it has a direct positive result to public safety within our communities, and I am incredibly proud of our combined effort," said Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum.

Operation Results:

• 35 targeted and collateral individuals arrested:

  Of those arrested, 11 received new felony state charges. These charges include Possession of Controlled Substance, Weapons Possession, and Aggravated Eluding.

A total of 55 outstanding warrants cleared.

8 Parole Absconders Arrested.

• 2 firearms seized
• 34 grams of methamphetamine seized.
• 9.7 grams of fentanyl seized.

(close to 5,000 lethal doses of fentanyl).

Agencies that assisted with the Repeat Offender Project:

United States Attorney's Office

U.S. Marshals Service

Homeland Security Investigations

Sioux Falls Police Department

South Dakota Highway Patrol

South Dakota Department of Corrections / Parole Services

Brandon Police Department

South Dakota Fusion Center

Beadle County Sheriff's Office

Moody County Sheriff's Office