Charlotte, January 19, 2026
Alejandro Rosales Castillo, an FBI Ten Most Wanted fugitive wanted for murder in Charlotte, has been arrested in Mexico, ending a lengthy search. His capture highlights significant law enforcement efforts alongside local agencies. Additionally, various coordinated law enforcement operations throughout North Carolina have resulted in multiple arrests for different offenses, demonstrating a commitment to community safety and crime reduction.
Charlotte
FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Captured in Mexico After Years-Long Search
A fugitive listed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, Alejandro Rosales Castillo, was successfully apprehended in Mexico on January 17, 2026, concluding a multi-year search by authorities. Castillo was wanted in connection with a murder in Charlotte, North Carolina. This capture represents a significant development in ongoing efforts to bring individuals accused of violent crimes to justice. The collaborative operation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
Statewide Law Enforcement Operations Yield Multiple Arrests Across North Carolina
Across North Carolina, recent coordinated law enforcement efforts have led to numerous arrests for a variety of offenses, underscoring a consistent commitment to public safety. These operations involved local, state, and federal agencies working together to address different facets of crime, from drug trafficking to property offenses and the apprehension of wanted individuals. The concerted actions demonstrate a broad initiative to enhance community security and reinforce the rule of law throughout the state.
Fugitive Apprehended in Mountain City Through Collaborative Effort
On January 17, 2026, Dennis Hillary Main, a fugitive sought under an active Federal Arrest Warrant, was apprehended in Mountain City. This arrest was the result of a collaborative investigation involving the Mountain City Police Department, a North Carolina SBI Agent, the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service. Main had a history of methamphetamine-related offenses, and his capture highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in tracking and apprehending wanted individuals across jurisdictional lines.
“Operation Street Sweep” Targets Drug Dealers in Davie County
More than 20 individuals suspected of being street-level drug dealers were arrested in Davie County following a comprehensive operation dubbed “Operation Street Sweep.” Indictments were handed down by a grand jury on January 12, 2026, with arrests taking place between January 13 and January 16, 2026. This extensive operation utilized multiple investigative techniques, including undercover purchases and confidential informants, over a period of seven months. The multi-agency effort involved the Davie County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina SBI, the Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and several other county sheriff’s offices, demonstrating a strong inter-agency approach to combating illicit drug distribution and sales.
Rutherford County Reports Multiple Arrests for Various Offenses
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office reported several arrests on January 16, 2026, for a range of criminal activities. These arrests included charges for possession of a firearm by a felon, trafficking fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, assault and battery, and larceny. Additionally, incidents of shoplifting were reported at local businesses in the area on the same day, reflecting ongoing local law enforcement efforts to address diverse criminal behaviors.
Cabarrus County Arrest for Abduction of Children
In Cabarrus County, an individual identified as Francois Ekoe Affo was arrested on January 17, 2026, facing charges related to the abduction of children. This swift action by the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office underscores the critical importance of protecting vulnerable populations and responding quickly to serious offenses.
“TikTok Trickster” Arrested in Cary
Law enforcement in Cary arrested a suspected “TikTok trickster” on January 17, 2026. Following the arrest, the individual’s bond was subsequently increased to $500,000, signaling the seriousness of the charges involved in the case.
Commitment to Reducing Crime Through Inter-Agency Cooperation
These recent arrests highlight the continuous efforts of law enforcement agencies across North Carolina to maintain public safety and reduce crime. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), in particular, plays a crucial State-level role in supporting local authorities through specialized units, training, and collaborative investigations. The SBI is dedicated to providing high-level support and training to impact the reduction of violent crime across the state, emphasizing the importance of coordinated action among various agencies—local, state, and federal—to effectively address criminal activity and ensure the safety of communities. This comprehensive approach is vital in tackling complex criminal networks and safeguarding residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When was the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive, Alejandro Rosales Castillo, captured?
- Alejandro Rosales Castillo, a fugitive on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, was captured on January 17, 2026.
- Where was the fugitive Dennis Hillary Main apprehended?
- Dennis Hillary Main was apprehended in Mountain City on January 17, 2026.
- What was “Operation Street Sweep” in Davie County?
- “Operation Street Sweep” was a comprehensive multi-agency operation in Davie County that led to the arrest of more than 20 suspected street-level drug dealers between January 13 and January 16, 2026.
- What types of crimes were reported with arrests in Rutherford County on January 16, 2026?
- Arrests in Rutherford County on January 16, 2026, included charges for possession of a firearm by a felon, trafficking fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, assault and battery, and larceny. Shoplifting incidents were also reported.
- What is the North Carolina SBI’s role in crime reduction?
- The North Carolina SBI plays a crucial State-level role in supporting local authorities through specialized units, training, and collaborative investigations, dedicated to impacting the reduction of violent crime across the state.
Key Features of Recent North Carolina Law Enforcement Actions
| Event | Location | Date of Arrest/Operation | Key Agencies Involved | Nature of Crime/Action | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capture of FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive | Charlotte (Fugitive captured in Mexico) | January 17, 2026 | FBI, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department | Murder (fugitive apprehension) | Local, Federal (International apprehension) |
| Fugitive Apprehension | Mountain City | January 17, 2026 | Mountain City Police Department, North Carolina SBI, Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service | Federal warrant, methamphetamine-related offenses (fugitive apprehension) | Local, State-level, Federal |
| “Operation Street Sweep” | Davie County | January 13-16, 2026 | Davie County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina SBI, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, multiple county sheriff’s offices | Street-level drug dealing (over 20 arrests) | Local, State-level, Federal |
| Multiple Arrests | Rutherford County | January 16, 2026 | Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office | Firearm possession by felon, fentanyl trafficking, drug paraphernalia, assault, battery, larceny, shoplifting | Local |
| Abduction of Children Arrest | Cabarrus County | January 17, 2026 | Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office | Abduction of children | Local |
| “TikTok Trickster” Arrest | Cary | January 17, 2026 | Local law enforcement in Cary | Unspecified (trickster), bond increased | Local |
Now Happening on X
- @CMPD (January 15, 2026, 12:30 PM) CMPD shared their annual public safety update, reporting a 9% decrease in overall crime, including a 21% drop in violent crime and 6% in property crime for 2025, despite Charlotte’s rapid growth. View on X
- @wcnc (January 16, 2026, 8:30 AM) CMPD reports a drop in violent crime, emphasizing that every neighborhood deserves to feel safe amid ongoing public safety efforts in Charlotte. View on X
- @CharlotteTalks (January 15, 2026, 12:01 PM) Local news roundup includes CMPD noting a decline in the murder rate last year, City Council approving millions for a new transportation authority, and measles detection in Mecklenburg wastewater. View on X
- @WFAE (January 13, 2026, 11:00 AM) Charlotte City Council approves $4.3M for a new transit authority, alongside other updates on measles in wastewater and the suspension of Charlotte’s Durag Festival. View on X
- @wbtradio (January 16, 2026, 9:05 PM) Coverage of CMPD’s crime press conference, a Charlotte man’s resolution of an HOA dispute, and a major announcement from Mecklenburg ABC. View on X
- @L1569Uptown (January 14, 2026, 9:26 AM) Report of shots fired in uptown Charlotte with no injuries, suspect fled in a vehicle, and State Street temporarily closed by CMPD. View on X
- @CBJnewsroom (January 16, 2026, 3:45 PM) High-profile shootings and crime spikes have led to multi-pronged efforts to enhance public safety and perceptions in uptown Charlotte. View on X
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