HSI Frederick lends vital assist to Maryland State Police in search for killer of Washington County Circuit Court judge
FREDERICK, Md. — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Frederick provided vital assistance to Maryland law enforcement authorities Oct. 26 during a search for Pedro Manuel Argote, the prime suspect in the murder of Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson.
“Partnerships are the lifeblood of successful law enforcement,” said HSI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris. “When our state and local partners reach out for support, HSI Baltimore is ready and willing to provide whatever backing is needed. We all share the responsibility and privilege of protecting the citizens of this great state.”
Ten special agents from HSI Frederick joined officers from the Maryland State Police, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Transit Authority to search for Argote in a remote wooded area of Washington County.
Argote is suspected of gunning down Wilkinson Oct. 19 outside of his home. Wilkinson previously presided over Argote’s child custody hearing. Argote had been on the run since the brutal murder.
Authorities located a deceased man’s body and a firearm on Oct. 26. The body was later confirmed to be Argote.
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.
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