For the Reporter
The Western District of Washington, U.S. Marshals-led Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF) concluded Operation Foundation late Thursday night, making 11 arrests and clearing 12 warrants in two days.
Authorities said the focus of the roundup was aimed to further reduce the violent crimes that have plagued the South King County and North Pierce County regions.
Focusing on the areas of Auburn, Kent, Federal Way; Pacific and Algona, members of the PNVOTF along with various federal, state and local agencies, worked countless hours locating and apprehending violent offenders.
Among those arrested during Operation Foundation were Scott Lebeau, 47, and Joel Webster, 20. Lebeau was arrested on a King County Sheriff’s Office warrant for dealing in depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit acts. It is alleged that Lebeau possessed, and was otherwise involved in the dealing of child pornography.
During Operation Foundation, investigative efforts revealed Lebeau was at an address on Military Road South in Auburn. Members of the PNVOTF responded to the residence and Lebeau was taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently booked into the Regional Justice Center.
Webster, who was wanted on a Seattle Police Department warrant for armed robbery, was located in an apartment complex in Tacoma. Investigative efforts revealed Webster was staying with a known associate. Webster was arrested without incident and booked into the Regional Justice Center.
At the conclusion of Operation Foundation, Acting U.S. Marshal Jacob Green said, “I would like to thank all of the law enforcement officers and agents involved, and for their joint effort in locating these violent fugitives. The success of any operation is always fueled by our desire to assist in keeping the community a safe place for people to live. We often times remind ourselves how one violent crime can have a ripple effect within the entire community. Our job is to assist in arresting these violent offenders and bringing closure to the victims.”
“The Washington State Department of Corrections appreciates the collaborative public safety partnerships formed between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies,” said Secretary Stephen Sinclair. “The efforts of hard-working officers in the field and their diligence to combat crime and protect communities are a big part of what makes our state safer for all Washingtonians.”
James Schrimpsher of the Algona Police Department said, “We support the program and appreciate being a part of it.”
