US Marshals, Racine County officials arrest federal fugitive Steven Avila

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- U.S. Marshals along with Racine County Metro Drug agents arrested a federal fugitive on Friday, Feb. 17. 

A search warrant executed at a residence near 20th Street and Blaine Avenue in Racine located 36-year-old Steven E. Avila. 

The Racine County Sheriff's Office says Avila is a convicted felon, a known gang member, and has a lengthy drug history. Agents conducted surveillance on the residence and confirmed Avila’s presence, along-with ongoing drug activity.

During the search, law enforcement located 446.9 grams of marijuana, with an estimated street value of $2,000; cocaine; digital scale; hundreds of baggies with the corners missing (i.e., drug packaging material); two quest cards; two cellphones; and $3,319 in U.S. currency.

In Avila’s bedroom, law enforcement located a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun, a .22 caliber revolver, two tactical 12-gauge shotguns, and numerous rounds of ammunition.

The U.S. Marshall’s transported Avila to a federal holding facility where he was held on the federal warrant for Possession with the Intent to Deliver Cocaine.

The Racine County Metro Drug Unit will be referring the following charges to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution:

• Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver, as a Repeat Drug Offender
• Possession of Cocaine, as a Repeat Drug Offender
• Keeper of a Drug Place, as a Repeat Drug Offender
• Possession of Firearm by a Felon (Four counts)
• Possession of drug paraphernalia