Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Detective Freeman has dual role as U.S. Marshal

LUMBERTON — As the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office continues to work alongside with federal partners, a swearing-in ceremony took place Thursday at the Sheriff’s Office for Detective Allen Blake Freeman to join a federal task force.

“Freeman joins the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force,” said U.S. Marshal Tim Garrett, assistant chief inspector of the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. “This agency has been instrumental in locating multiple violent fugitives for our office, especially those that leave our county and state.” “Having several of our detectives dual sworn on federal task forces such as this has been instrumental in helping us locate violent and wanted criminals,” Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said. “Utilizing the tools and resources of our federal partners is key to securing the safety of our communities throughout our county. Our partnership with federal agencies and the United States Attorney’s Office is as strong as ever, and we believe this collaboration will continue to grow.” The Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force (CRFTF) began operations in January 2018 under the Presidential Threat Protection Act of 2000. The CRFTF is the newest Regional Fugitive Task Force, according to a prepared statement from the RCSO.

With partnership agreements with more than 70 federal, state or local agencies and 11 fully operational offices, the CRFTF has successfully apprehend more than 8,900 fugitives since inception, according to the RCSO statement released on Thursday.

“The CRFTF has made an extraordinary impact on the apprehension of the region’s most dangerous and violent fugitives,” Wilkins stated. “Striving to make their communities a safer place. Please join me in congratulating newly sworn Special Deputy United States Marshal Allen Blake Freeman.”