Moore Capito praises law enforcement after “Operation Coal Country” arrests

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WTAP) – U.S. Attorney Moore Capito, U.S. Marshal Jack Chambers, West Virginia State Police Col. James Mitchell and other law enforcement partners announced the success of “Operation Coal Country.”

The enforcement initiative targeted noncompliant sex offenders, individuals wanted for sex crimes, violent fugitives and other wanted individuals throughout the Southern District of West Virginia.

The 59 people arrested included 16 convicted sex offenders wanted on registration violations and 10 individuals charged with new sex offenses. The West Virginia State Police conducted more than 380 compliance checks of registered sex offenders as part of the operation.

“Each arrest resulting from these targeted enforcement operations protects our communities and makes them safer,” said United States Attorney Moore Capito. “The success of this operation continues the momentum we’ve created through dedicated, collaborative and aggressive efforts with our law enforcement partners.”

Operation Coal Country focused on the West Virginia State Police Troop 5 area of Boone, Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo and Wayne counties. Several of those arrested face charges in additional counties within the Southern District of West Virginia.

Those arrested also included a fugitive wanted for murder in Florida who was captured in Dunbar and a suspect in the sexual abuse of a female juvenile family member in Parkersburg who was arrested in Arizona. Law enforcement also found a missing child after an alleged parental abduction in Wood County.