By: Richard L. Smith
A multi-agency law enforcement initiative has resulted in the arrest of 264 individuals wanted for serious violent crimes across New Jersey, including homicide, sexual assault, and weapons trafficking, officials announced.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Department of Justice, the operation, named Operation Apex Hammer, was launched in early June 2025 in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
The month-long sweep focused on fugitives considered a high threat to public safety.
The coordinated effort targeted individuals wanted for a wide range of offenses, including murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, gang-related activity, and crimes involving children.
Officials said most arrests were concentrated in areas of New Jersey, particularly in cities like Newark and Camden.
“Operation Apex Hammer sent a clear message. The U.S. Marshals and our partner agencies will never stop pursuing those who threaten the safety of our communities,” said U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos Jr. “This operation reflects our unwavering commitment to removing the most dangerous individuals from our streets.”
Among the significant arrests were:
• Mr. Lorenzo Benitez, 54, wanted out of Keansburg on multiple counts of sexual assault, arrested June 4 in Plainfield.
• Mr. Darlin Franco-Guzman, 25, wanted in Baltimore County for burglary and attempted sexual assault of a minor, arrested June 10 in Trenton.
• Mr. Stephen Bullock, 32, accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 76-year-old woman in Camden County, arrested June 13 in Hi-Nella.
• Mr. Shawn Davis, 38, sought in connection with a 2024 homicide in Trenton, apprehended June 13 in Brooklyn, NY.
• Mr. Luis Duval-Jimenez, 31, charged with attempted murder for allegedly striking a South Brunswick police officer with a vehicle, arrested June 18 in North Arlington.
• Mr. Trasuf Bennett, 20, and a juvenile accomplice, both wanted for a fatal drive-by shooting in Millville, arrested June 19 in Trenton.
• Mr. Francisco Ruiz, 67, arrested June 20 in Bayonne on multiple charges, including sexual assault, making threats, and endangering the welfare of a child.
In total, authorities said they arrested 17 suspects connected to homicides and 95 individuals identified as gang members. Law enforcement also recovered 14 illegal firearms during the sweep.
Of the 264 people taken into custody, 31 were apprehended in other states and two were captured overseas. Collectively, those arrested had a staggering 2,625 prior arrests.
Officials said Operation Apex Hammer combined intelligence-based strategies, interagency collaboration, and targeted community engagement to locate and arrest high-priority fugitives. 
The U.S. Marshals Service emphasized that it remains steadfast in its mission to bring justice to those who pose a threat to public safety.