Clear Channel Outdoor digital billboards helped the FBI capture Steven Maiurro, a reputed member of the Gambino crime family. This upped the tally of criminals apprehended thanks to Clear Channel Outdoor digital billboards to more than 25.
Maiurro was placed on the FBI New York’s Featured Fugities list on Tuesday, April 20. Investigative efforts and publicity led Maiurro to call the FBI’s New York Office on Thursday afternoon, April 22. Maiurro faces federal charges for his alleged involvement in a sex-trafficking operation run by the Gambino Crime Family in Staten Island and Brooklyn, NY.
The program, begun by Clear Channel Outdoor and the FBI in Pennsylvania three years ago, runs in more than 40 states and includes most other digital-billboard providers, such as Adams Outdoor Advertising and Lamar Advertising. Messages draw attention to violent criminals, kidnap victims, missing children and bank robbers.
There are roughly 1,800 digital billboards nationwide, compared to approximately 450,000 billboards. Their easily changeable content and timely content management enable digital billboards to elicit tips in targeted areas.