U.S. Marshals and Local Law Enforcement Apprehend Violent Fugitive in Mississippi

Published 7:50 pm Wednesday, November 29, 2023

In a joint effort, the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force (GCRFTF), working alongside the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office, successfully apprehended James Bearrie Hylton (30) at a residence on Laser Lane in Carriere, Mississippi, earlier today. The arrest followed an extensive investigation into Hylton’s criminal activities.

Hylton, a wanted fugitive, faced charges from the U.S. Marshals for a Federal Probation Violation originating from the Middle District of North Carolina. This violation was linked to a prior conviction for felon in possession of a firearm. Additionally, Hylton was wanted by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia for malicious wounding, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling. Law enforcement identified Hylton as a member of the “Blood” gang, classifying him as a violent, armed, and dangerous individual.

Intelligence led authorities to a residence on Laser Lane in Carriere, where Hylton was believed to be hiding. Members of the GCRFTF, in collaboration with Pearl River County Deputies, approached the residence and issued calls for occupants to exit. Following a brief delay, Hylton emerged from the home and was apprehended without incident. Despite providing false information to law enforcement, Hylton’s true identity was confirmed, leading to his arrest.

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A subsequent search of the residence yielded the discovery of 229 grams of methamphetamine and a .45 caliber firearm concealed in a trash can. Additional charges are pending based on items uncovered during the search.

This successful operation resulted from a collaborative effort between multiple law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force Gulfport and Hattiesburg offices, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Middle District of Louisiana – New Orleans, the Middle District of North Carolina – Greensboro, and the Western District of Virginia – Roanoke.

Senior Inspector Jeremy Stilwell expressed gratitude for the collective effort, stating, “Without the assistance of everyone involved in the apprehension of Hylton, we wouldn’t have been able to take this violent fugitive off the streets as quickly or efficiently as we did. When we put our resources together at the Local, State, and Federal levels, we are able to accomplish great things together.”

The U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force – Gulfport and Hattiesburg Offices comprise a dedicated team of full-time law enforcement partners, including the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, Mississippi Department of Corrections, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Forrest County Sheriff’s Office, Stone County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia Police Department, and the Hattiesburg Police Department.