ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 22, 2007) -- Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced the results of a joint sting operation from this past weekend with the Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office which arrested 40 individuals who were wanted in the county on various criminal warrants.

"I want to applaud the great work of Sheriff Ron Bateman and the members of the Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office and my field enforcement agents for making this joint operation so successful," said Comptroller Franchot. "Our office is proud to continue partnering with our friends in local law enforcement in various and innovative ways to keep our communities safe and protect law-abiding individuals and businesses."

On October 5, the Comptroller's Office sent letters to the 500 most recent persons wanted in Anne Arundel County on criminal warrants ranging from misdemeanors to felony charges. The letter stated that the Comptroller's Office found that the individual had overpaid on his/her taxes and had a $572.26 tax refund coming to them from the State.

The letter recipient was advised to report to the Comptroller's Annapolis Office at 80 Calvert Street on Saturday, October 20 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. in order to receive their refund check. In total, 40 individuals were arrested by County Sheriff personnel upon arrival at the office, clearing 54 outstanding warrants.

"The success of this operation was possible due to the strong collaborative partnership that exists between the Comptroller's and Sheriff's Offices," said Anne Arundel County Sheriff Ronald Bateman. "I look forward to continuing our strong relationship as we work together in future operations."

As the chief regulator of all alcohol, tobacco and motor fuel products, Comptroller Franchot and his field enforcement agents also continue to work closely with local law enforcement officials from across Maryland to crack down on cigarette smugglers and the sale of illegal alcohol and motor fuel.

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Contact: Warren Hansen, 410-260-7082 (office), 240-315-7159 (cell)