SEYMOUR — A coordinated law enforcement operation led to the arrest of 11 individuals in Jackson County on Monday, August 18. The operation involved the FBI, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Seymour Police Department, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a news release from the FBI, the individuals arrested had either unlawfully entered the United States or had prior criminal convictions. The group’s offenses included narcotics trafficking, sexual battery, child molesting, domestic violence, strangulation, and illegal weapons possession. Authorities noted that one of the individuals had been deported five times previously.
The individuals arrested were identified as:
- Maria Hernandez
- Ricardo Bo-Choc
- Vicente Hernandez-Hernandez
- Jose Chub-Bo
- Alfredo Juan Bartolome
- Petorona Sebastian Gasper
- Juan Sebastian Miguel
- Jose Juna Oliverio Gasper
- Gerino Gomez Velazquez
- Arturo Perez Morales
- Arturo Perez Maldonato
“Individuals who are unlawfully in this country and who commit violent crimes pose a serious threat to our communities,” said Timothy J. O’Malley, FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge. “Working with our federal and local partners and removing these individuals from our neighborhoods protects Hoosier families and reinforces our shared commitment to uphold the law.”
Seymour Police Chief Greg O’Brien emphasized that the operation was not a “sweep” and was explicitly focused on removing dangerous offenders to ensure public safety. “Public safety remains our top priority, and this operation reflects our ongoing commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe,” he stated.
The arrests were the result of extensive coordination, intelligence sharing, and planning among the participating agencies. The FBI confirmed that it will continue to work with its partners to locate and apprehend violent criminals who pose a threat to community safety.
