Over 250 criminal suspects arrested in NJ during federal ‘Operation Apex Hammer’

Federal authorities have arrested 264 wanted criminals in New Jersey as part of an ongoing initiative called “Operation Apex Hammer,” which targets violent offenders and fugitives across the state.

Among those arrested were individuals wanted for serious crimes, including homicide, robbery, kidnapping, and sex offenses, some involving children. According to federal officials, the operation also led to the capture of 17 homicide suspects and 95 known gang members. In total, the suspects had a combined 2,625 prior arrests, averaging approximately 10 each, according to a report by the New York Post.

Two of those arrested were illegal immigrants wanted for sex-related crimes. Lorenzo Benitez, a 54-year-old Guatemalan national, was arrested on June 4 and faces multiple counts of sexual assault. The second, 25-year-old Darlin Franco-Guzman of Honduras, was arrested on June 10. He was wanted in connection with a burglary and the attempted sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl.

Acting US Attorney for NJ Alina Habba and US Marshal Juan Mattos Jr. praised the operation, which involved coordination among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, calling it “a major success in combating violent crime and restoring public safety.”

In an interview with Fox News last month, Habba emphasized the administration’s commitment to cracking down on violent crime.

"We are doing multiple cases at once to make sure that we clean up as quickly as possible. Violent crime is number one. It is very clear from this administration. That is all we're focused on. So, the politics are done now, and it's honestly been amazing being here,” Habba said.

Marshal Mattos added, "You can run, but you cannot hide. I think that the message is loud and clear. Our Marshals and the partner agencies that work alongside of us will always be determined to bring people back to justice. No matter the passage of time, no matter how long it takes.”