71 of County's Most Wanted Rounded up in Warrant Sting

Nearly six dozen individuals were picked up on outstanding warrants for felony charges as serious as sexual assault in a day-long sting operation spearheaded by 85 law enforcement officers, the state's attorney and a U.S. marshal announced at a press conference at Middletown Superior Court Monday.

Local, state, and federal agencies worked today in the organization they dubbed "Operation Archangel," taking in 71 of the region’s most wanted people.

Several of the warrants served were for serious crimes, including Middletown High School track and field star Denzell Dempsey, 18, who faces first-degree sexual assault and risk of injury charges. 

Others included Dennis Jacobs, 18, also wanted on first-degree sexual assault and risk of injury charges; Jacob Bonilla, 31, for a sexual offense; Eric Freeman, 29, for first-degree failure to appear in a fourth-degree sexual assault of a minor charge, Jonathan Sepowski, 23, for second-degree arson, burglary and other charges; and Bruce Lee, 31, for two counts of first-degree failure to appear for second-degree sexual assault.

The sting, which began before dawn this morning, was commanded by Peter A. McShane, State's Attorney for the Judicial District of Middlesex, and Joseph P. Faughnan, U.S. Marshal for the District of Connecticut.

In total 56 persons were taken into custody ranging in age from 17 to 51.

A total of 71 criminal arrest warrants were served — 55 were arrested on felony arrest warrants while 16 were arrested for misdemeanors.

The charges against these individuals are merely accusations and they are presumed innocent unless and until they are found guilty.

"Today those that have allegedly violated the law and have caused innocent people to become victims of crime were arrested, charged, and placed in the hands of our criminal justice system,",McShane said.

Departments and agencies assisting are:

• Judicial District of Middlesex State’s Attorney’s Office
• United States Marshalls Service
• United States Department of Homeland Security Division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• United States Department of Housing & Urban Development
• State of Connecticut Judicial Marshalls
• State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Division of State Police
• State of Connecticut Department of Probation
• State of Connecticut Department of Parole
• State of Connecticut Department of Corrections
• Clinton Police Department
• Cromwell Police Department
• East Hampton Police Department
• Middlefield Police Department
• Middletown Police Department
• Old Saybrook Department of Police Services
• Portland Police Department