The U.S. Marshals Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force announced Monday that, following a two-week sweep, they have apprehended 41 “violent offenders” who were, allegedly, living in housing provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In a statement released Monday, U.S. Ma rshals officials said that the agency worked with special agents from the Office of the Inspector General for the Dept. of HUD, on the sweep, that they dubbed “Operation Moving Day.” “This operation sends a clear message that those who threaten the safety of HUD-assisted communities will be held accountable,” said Shawn Rice, Special Agent in Charge for the HUD Office of Inspector General in a statement on the arrests. “Through our relentless work with the U.S. Marshals Service, dangerous fugitives have been taken off the streets, and HUD-assisted housing across the Philadelphia area and beyond is safer as a result. We will continue to pursue those who put residents at risk and fulfill our mission to promote safe, secure housing for the families and communities HUD serves.” In an announcement on these arrests, law enforcement officials did not identify any of the individuals who were apprehended through this sweep. But, the office claimed “arrests were made for arson, aggravated assault, shooting, armed robbery, and crimes against children.” Law enforcement officials also said a 31-year-old man sought following an August shooting in Philadelphia was apprehended and a 23-year-old man who was being sought for offenses against children was also arrested in this sweep. “Citizens in need should not have to compete with fugitives for taxpayer assistance. We appreciate the opportunity to assist HUD-OIG in negating this fraudulent receipt of benefits via multiple arrests,” said Eric Gartner, United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, said in a statement on the results of the sweep. ...read more read less