Sheriff lures 100 fugitives in free-TV ruse

Chicago law enforcement officials have proven there is more than one way to catch a criminal.

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In "Operation C. W. Marketing," 102 fugitives wanted for violent felonies, traffic offenses, unpaid child support and contempt of court, among other offenses, were caught in an operation that lured them to test new plasma televisions and video game systems, Cook Country Sheriff's Office said on Tuesday.

"More than 100 wanted fugitives thought they were coming to a Southwest Side warehouse to test the home electronics, but they soon realized they were targets in an undercover operation that led them right to awaiting officers," sheriff Thomas Dart said in a statement.

In early September, officials sent invitations to 10,000 offenders welcoming them to make an appointment with C.W. Marketing to try out the appliances. In exchange for their feedback, participants would get $75 in cash and get to keep the devices they tested, the letters said.

While thousands of letters came back as undeliverable, more than 50 wanted fugitives ? ranging in age from 19 to 66 ? made appointments. As the offenders pulled up to the warehouse, undercover officers headed to their cars while carrying empty boxes for plasma TVs and video game systems, officials said. The fugitives were then welcomed by other officers wearing bright t-shirts and surrounded by signs and balloons.

Once inside, the offender?s identity was confirmed and fake celebrations continued, along with a picture, the sheriff's office said.? As the target posed for a photo, officers moved in for the arrest.

Investigators made about 50 more arrests in the operation after pursuing other leads, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

One wanted man took a bus to Chicago from Wisconsin to take the survey, sheriff Dart said. Another sprinted several blocks when he was late for his appointment.

Investigators used offenders' last known address to lure them into the operation. In similar ruses, holiday shopping certificates were promised to wanted criminals and fugitives were told they were owed more federal stimulus money.

Earlier in 2011, 44,000 wanted fugitives and 1,000 others wanted for child support warrants were listed on the Cook County Sheriff's website. Anonymous tips already have led to dozens of arrests, Dart said.

NBC affiliate WMAQ contributed to this report.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44786491/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/

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