42 wanted suspects nabbed via cooperative efforts

TOPEKA -- Collaboration between special agents from the Kansas Department of Corrections, KBI agents, and the Attorney General's office has led to 42 arrests in Topeka, Wichita, and Kansas City, Kan. Operation Cooperation targeted parolees suspected of absconding or violating terms of their parole and parolees with outstanding warrants for their arrest. The arrests occurred over a four-day span between Aug. 9 and 12.

"With the devastating cuts that have weakened our public safety programs, it is more important now than ever that we crack down on parole violators," Kansas Attorney General Steve Six said. "By combining resources, state agencies are sending a message to criminals who falsely believe they can violate the conditions of their parole without consequence."

Agents with the Department of Corrections identified a number of high risk offenders who were the primary subjects of Operation Collaboration. In total, the effort included agents from the Department of Corrections, the Attorney General's Office, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation assisted by the United States' Marshals Service, Wichita Police Department, Topeka Police Department, Shawnee County Sheriff's Office, Leavenworth Police Department, and Kansas City, Kan. Police Department.

The following arrests were made:

* Wichita -- 21 total arrests, including 11 absconders, four parole violators, and six other arrests

* Topeka --15 total arrests, including six absconders, two parole violator, and seven other arrests

* Kansas City, Kan. -- six total arrests, including four absconders, one parole violator, and one other arrest

Other arrests included nine felony charges, two misdemeanor charges, and three federal felony charges.

Juan Lucio was arrested in Topeka on Aug. 10 as an absconder and was carrying a 9mm handgun at the time of arrest. His case will be forwarded to the United States' Attorney's Office for review and potential federal prosecution as a felon in possession of a firearm. On Aug. 11, Michael Schell was seen outside of his residence in Wichita and as officers approached he ran inside and was finally found hiding in a crawl space. He will be charged in district court with felony obstruction.

"The job done by our parole officers and special agents is often a thankless one, and too often they are only recognized when something goes wrong," Secretary of Corrections Roger Werholtz said. "Operation Cooperation is one of the best examples of how agencies can support one another, and I want to thank the Attorney General and the KBI for joining together with us to get these criminals off the streets."