Operation Spring Thaw

Milwaukee, WI – The United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Kevin A. Carr, announced the conclusion of Operation Spring Thaw. The operation began on February 1, 2012 and ended today. During the operation, members of the Fugitive Task Force (Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department and US Marshals) arrested 38 individuals on outstanding felony warrants. While numerous wanted individuals were taken into custody for a variety of charges, including Sexual Assault of Children, Reckless Endangerment, Firearms Violations, Bail Jumping, Arson, Substantial Battery, Fraud and Probation Violation, the focus was on cold cases (cases where the fugitives had been wanted for several years).

Notable arrests during the operation included Michael Mack, wanted since 2009, and had been featured on ‘America’s Most Wanted’ a few weeks ago. Mack was accused of assaulting his girlfriend, and setting her home on fire. Investigators say Mack got into an argument with his girlfriend and she threw him out of the house. He wanted revenge, and allegedly visited her in the hospital for an illness, punched her and soon after, set her place on fire. A tip received as a result of this airing led to Mack’s arrest on February 13, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas. Law enforcement officials say he was working in a carnival and used an alias.

Theresa Birkley, wanted since 1997, had been convicted and sentenced to probation in May of 1997 for Battery While Armed. Birkley had stabbed the victim with a knife on the arms, shoulder and face. Birkley subsequently absconded from supervision in August of 1997. Birkley was located and arrested by deputy marshals in Greenville, Mississippi on Tuesday February 21, 2012.

Marshal Carr stated that “Operation Spring Thaw was a successful full-court press by the Fugitive Task Force and the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department to make an impact in keeping the community safe”.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at USmarshals.gov.