Operation Flagship was a U.S Marshals sting operation, where some of Washington DC’s most wanted fugitives, were lured to a convention centre under the pretence of having won coveted NFL tickets in December 1985.

Upon their arrival, they were greeted by cheerleaders and mascots – all law enforcement officers in disguise. It led to one of America’s most successful mass arrests with more than 100 people being arrested.

Former US Marshal Stacia Hylton was one of the ‘cheerleaders’. She tells Uma Doraiswamy how the plan came together.

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(Photo: Operation Flagship invite sent out to fugitives. Credit: United States Marshals Museum)