ICE recognizes local law enforcement efforts in child kidnap case

EVERETT, Mass. - In the city of Everett, the police department proudly displays a motto which reads, "Serving with Pride Since 1870." U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) shared that pride today while recognizing two officers for their proud service and dedicated professionalism that helped end a nationwide search for a three-year-old girl who was discovered living in Everett after being abducted in Texas last year.

Everett Police Lieutenant Demetri O'Malley and Officer Jeffrey Gilmore were recognized for launching an investigation in July 2010 with ICE HSI in Boston, the Bryan Police Department in Texas, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Acting on an anonymous tip from a concerned citizen, the officers and ICE HSI special agents began the search for a man who allegedly boasted about how he abducted his two-year-old daughter from Texas in December 2009. Working with authorities in Bryan, Texas, investigators identified the father and determined that the child had been reported missing to the NCMEC. The investigation led authorities to an address in Everett, where the father was arrested and the child recovered unharmed.

"On behalf of the citizens of Everett, I am pleased to officially recognize and publicly thank these officers for their intervention in this case," said Everett Police Chief Steven A. Mazzie.

"I would also like to acknowledge their relentless efforts that resulted in the safe return of this child to Texas."

Bruce M. Foucart, special agent in charge of ICE HSI in Boston presented the officers with plaques and expressed appreciation for their efforts to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion.

"ICE places a high priority on working cooperatively with local law enforcement agencies and recognizes the enormous benefits of teaming up with these front-line officers to help us fight crime in our communities," said Foucart. "We acknowledge the professionalism of these officers and this department and their efforts to keep our neighborhoods safe."

ICE HSI Special Agent Greg Squire and Susan Ragucci, a criminal research specialist, were also recognized by the NCMEC, which showcased their efforts in this case in correspondence that cited them for their outstanding efforts to, "connect the dots and make this recovery possible."