GEORGIA — Federal agents and local law enforcement officers arrested a wanted fugitive with a violent history during a raid at a DeKalb County home Thursday morning.
Authorities identified the suspect as Leonard Campbell, who was wanted on an outstanding warrant for conspiracy to produce and distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. According to officials, U.S. Marshals, DeKalb County police, and members of a drug task force tracked Campbell to a residence in the county.
Investigators say officers knocked on the door and announced their presence, but Campbell refused to come out. After several attempts to get him to surrender, officers forced entry into the home. Campbell then surrendered and was taken into custody without the use of force.
Following the arrest, officials obtained a search warrant for the residence. Inside, investigators reported finding approximately 5.6 pounds of suspected marijuana, 37 grams of a substance believed to be cocaine or fentanyl, a loaded Glock 19x handgun, an AR-style pistol with a loaded magazine, and a significant amount of cash.
Authorities described Campbell as a violent fugitive with an extensive criminal history, though specific details about prior convictions were not immediately released. It is also unclear how long he had been staying at the home prior to the arrest.
Officials say the arrest was part of “Operation Sweet Silence,” a Homeland Security Task Force initiative targeting individuals in the United States with alleged ties to foreign terrorist organizations. The broader effort focuses on dismantling cartels and transnational criminal groups.
“The brave men and women of the U.S. Marshals Service continue to assist our local, county, state and federal law enforcement partners apprehend violent drug and weapons offenders,” said Steve Serrao, acting United States Marshal for the Northern District of Georgia. “In this case, working with the DEA, the U.S. Attorney, and the DeKalb County Police Department to remove this dangerous felon from our community was a priority.”
Although Campbell was arrested in DeKalb County, he will be prosecuted in the Middle District of Georgia, where the U.S. Attorney’s Office will handle the case.
