RICHMOND, Texas – Fort Bend District Attorney Brian Middleton made it clear during a press conference Tuesday that while crime is on the rise across the nation, so are the local efforts to fight back against it, especially in his county. He made bold statements, sending stern messages to violent offenders who are putting the community at risk: it’s all coming to an end.
“Operation MARGO” was a seven week, zero tolerance anti-gang initiative that resulted in over 93 arrests, including nabbing 28 wanted fugitives and 11 known gang members. In addition, there was a seizure of 23 pounds of illegal narcotics, 16 firearms, and over $8,000 in allegedly illegal proceeds.
During the operation, peace officers from the different agencies worked in partnership with the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office as a force multiplier to reduce gang and criminal activity across the county. The goal was to locate street-level criminal activity, identify gang members, and develop criminal intelligence data.
“As district attorney I am not content with simply responding to crime that’s already committed. I have committed my office to be proactive; going out and pursuing criminals and making sure that we arrest them and prosecute them,” Middleton said. “And particularly with gangs, we are going to seek to hold them accountable as organized criminal enterprises and that means holding every single gang member responsible for the activities of their organization.”
Middleton made it clear, the gloves are off.
“Gangs have targeted our community, and we have targeted gangs,” he said. “So to the gang members in our community, your time is up. We are coming to get you. Eliminate your illegal activity in Fort Bend County or face consequences.”
“Just because the arrests have been made, doesn’t mean our efforts are over,” said Special Crimes Chief Prosecutor Mark Hanna. “We will still handle these cases appropriately in the courtroom and hold them responsible for their criminal actions.”
District Attorney Middleton also extended his thanks to the agencies that collaborated in this operation with the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, noting that they were essential to the success of the operation. The partner agencies included the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Bend County Constable Precinct 3, Fort Bend County Constable Precinct 4, Department of Public Safety, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Houston Police Department, Katy Police Department, Missouri City Police Department, Richmond Police Department, and the Rosenberg Police Department. He also gave special thanks to Chief Bobby Clark and the Community Volunteer Fire Department-Station 1 for the use of their facility during this operation.