Deep Dive
Why did the U.S. Marshals create the Fugitive Investigative Strike Teams (FIST)?
The FBI's funding was cut in 1980, leading the Attorney General to assign the U.S. Marshals the task of tracking down federal fugitives. FIST was created in 1981 to specialize in finding hard-to-reach fugitives.
What was the purpose of the Boy George sting operation?
The U.S. Marshals aimed to arrest fugitives by luring them with the promise of winning tickets to see Boy George perform. This method allowed them to avoid confrontations at fugitives' homes.
How many people were arrested during Operation Flagship?
Operation Flagship resulted in the arrest of 94 people, including some wanted for serious crimes and others for minor offenses like traffic violations.
What mistake did the U.S. Marshals make during Operation Flagship?
They arrested the wrong Charles Watkins, confusing the fugitive son with his father, who was not wanted by law enforcement.
Why did the U.S. Marshals use fake delivery companies in their stings?
They sent letters promising valuable packages to lure fugitives into claiming them, allowing the Marshals to arrest them without entering their homes.
What was the reaction of Boy George to the sting operation involving his concert?
Boy George filed a complaint with the Department of Justice, expressing his disapproval of the operation and distancing himself from it.
How did the U.S. Marshals ensure safety during their stings?
They avoided going to fugitives' homes, opting instead to lure them to predetermined locations, which they considered a safer approach for both the fugitives and the Marshals.
What was the outcome of the FIST program in 1986?
The FIST program ended in 1986, with half of the 10,000 people arrested during its four-year run being released within a week. The concept of using stings continued, but on a smaller scale.
What was the role of CBS in Operation Flagship?
CBS was allowed to film the operation, providing media coverage that the U.S. Marshals hoped would highlight their success in capturing fugitives.
What was the main criticism of Operation Flagship?
The operation was criticized for focusing on minor offenders rather than high-value targets, leading to questions about its effectiveness and ethics.
- The sting involved a fake TV station contest to lure Robert Harris, who was wanted for burglary.
- The operation's success led to the creation of FIST.
- Boy George was reportedly unhappy about his involvement in the sting.
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