Federal marshals in Northern Ohio are putting up reward money for tips that help them catch John Cloud, a man authorities say cut off his electronic ankle monitor while facing federal gun charges and then vanished, likely somewhere in the Cleveland area.
The U.S. Marshals' Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force says Cloud was released on bond on May 21 while under indictment on federal firearm offenses. According to a Marshals release reported by Cleveland19, investigators say Cloud removed his court-ordered monitor on June 18 and has been on the run since.
Cloud is described as about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing roughly 170 pounds. Officials say residents should not approach him if they spot him and instead contact authorities immediately.
How to report tips
Anyone with information on Cloud's whereabouts is asked to contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833) or submit a web tip through the U.S. Marshals Service tip portal.
Tipsters may remain anonymous, and reward money is available for information that leads to his arrest. Local deputies and federal partners coordinate the task force's response, but the Marshals handle tips that help bring fugitives into custody.
Why the task force offers rewards
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force routinely leans on public tips and cash rewards to track down suspects who move between counties. That pattern surfaced this spring when marshals offered money for a 6-foot-6 robbery suspect in Cleveland, as detailed in Marshals Dangle Cash. The task force often targets fugitives believed to be traveling through Cleveland, Youngstown and Akron, and officials say rewards can nudge reluctant witnesses to finally pick up the phone.
Legal consequences of cutting a monitor
Tampering with an electronic monitor or absconding while on federal pretrial release can trigger revocation of release, detention pending trial, and separate contempt or criminal charges under federal law, including 18 U.S.C. § 3148, as summarized by Cornell Law School. The U.S. Attorneys' Manual explains that Sections 3146 through 3148 govern penalties for failure to appear, crimes while on release, and other violations, and that motions to revoke release can lead to arrest warrants and detention hearings, see the U.S. Attorneys' Manual for details.
