NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
Major Sweep Targets Violent Criminals
Acting New Jersey District Attorney Alina Habba announced a sweeping federal operation resulting in the arrest of 264 individuals with extensive criminal histories. The initiative, dubbed Operation Apex Hammer, targeted suspects wanted for homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and crimes against children.
According to authorities, the joint effort involved federal, state, and local law enforcement and focused on individuals posing serious public safety risks. Officials revealed the total arrest tally includes 17 wanted for murder and 95 known gang members. The operation also recovered 14 illegal firearms.
Illegal Immigrants Among Most Wanted
Among the arrested are two illegal immigrants with disturbing charges.
Lorenzo Benitez, 54, from Guatemala, was found in Plainfield, NJ, and faces sexual assault charges stemming from Keansburg.
Darlin Franco-Guzman, 25, of Honduras, was caught in Trenton, wanted for attempted sexual assault of a 12-year-old in Maryland.
“These aren’t just numbers,” Habba told Fox News. “These are violent individuals. Some of them have been hiding in plain sight.” Officials say the average suspect had 10 prior arrests—totaling a staggering 2,625 previous charges across the group.
Dangerous Repeat Offenders Removed
The sweep targeted criminals across the spectrum of violent offenses:
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Stephen Bullock, 32, was arrested for kidnapping and assaulting a 76-year-old woman in Camden County.
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Shawn Davis, 38, was taken into custody in Brooklyn for a 2024 Trenton homicide.
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Luis Duval-Jimenez, 31, was wanted for allegedly running over a police officer.
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Trasuf Bennett, 20, along with a juvenile accomplice, was caught for a drive-by killing in Millville.
Habba emphasized that the arrests send a message: “If you’re violent, if you’re dangerous, we’re coming for you. Politics are done. This is about safety.”
Operation Still Ongoing
Notably, one key suspect—described as a Tren de Aragua gang member—remains at large. During one raid, Habba’s team expected him to exit a residence. Instead, three illegal immigrants exited the home and were detained.
“They think they have rights here that they just don’t have,” Habba said. “You’re a criminal—you need to get out.”
The initiative is far from over. Federal agents are still pursuing dozens of fugitives and expect more arrests in the coming weeks.
“This is what law enforcement looks like when it works,” Habba added. “It’s not about headlines, it’s about getting violent criminals off the streets—for good.”
