[Archived] Operation Joint Venture

For Immediate Release
May 7, 2010

The Alexandria Police Department and the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office announce the culmination of a joint initiative to reduce the number of outstanding arrest warrants.  During “Operation Joint Venture,” a joint effort between the Police Department and Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the United States Marshal’s Service (USMS) and their Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF), which included personnel from Fairfax County Police, Prince William County Police, Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. State Department, United States Secret Service (USSS) and Alexandria Probation and Parole, a total of 100 criminals were arrested on 208 outstanding warrants.  Last week’s five-day operation resulted in the execution of 142 felony warrants, 62 misdemeanor warrants and 4 administrative deportation proceedings initiated by ICE.

“Operation Joint Venture” was carried out between Monday, April 26, and Friday, April 30.  The most serious offenders were identified and targeted out of all outstanding warrants.  The members of this operation targeted individuals’ accused of robberies, felonious assaults, assaults on police, abduction, felony probation violations and other charges.  A total of 50 officers, sheriff’s deputies, federal agents and probation officers were assigned to this effort throughout the week.

“I am very proud of the men and women of the Police Department and Office of the Sheriff and all our partners in this operation for their diligence, hard work, teamwork and commitment to ensuring that these serious offenders were removed from our community,” said Police Chief Earl L. Cook. 

Sheriff Dana Lawhorne praised the success of the operation stating, “The success of this operation was made possible through the coordinated efforts of all our partners in law enforcement who participated.”

A highlight of this operation was the apprehension of Simon Bahta Asfeha, the double homicide suspect wanted for murder in the deaths of Seble G. Tessema, 27, and their 3 year-old daughter.  United States Marshals Service deputies working with Operation Joint Venture located and apprehended Asfeha with the help of the New York Police Department (NYPD).