SAN ANTONIO – Most people walking into a US Post Office will see the “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” display posted on a wall.
On March 14th, the Federal Bureau of Investigation will celebrate 60 years of publishing the faces of those most dangerous men and women making that list of criminals.
“The FBI here in San Antonio has arrested four of the top Ten Most Wanted Fugitives,” said Special Agent Erik Vasys with the FBI’s San Antonio office.
Vasys says the program and fugitive posters has evolved since it was first published back in 1950. He says the FBI continues exploring ways to use the “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” to alert the community of the criminals.
“Now we have Twitter. We have Facebook. We have other social networking sites where we posted wanted fugitives.”
The faces of nearly 500 fugitives have been printed on the “most wanted” list over the years. FBI agents say a special advisory panel determines who is added to the “Top Ten” based on the criminal's danger to the community, and likelihood of media helping distribute the images.
“FBI and the local law enforcement require the public’s help in catching these fugitives.” Vasys said. “There’s no way we can do it without the public’s help.”
At least 50 fugitives have been captured over the years, based on posters seen at the post office. Agents are asking anyone who recognizes a face on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list to contact local police.
