Prosecutor proposes wiretaps, grand jury to combat violence

Federal prosecutors have launched a new campaign with local law enforcement to crack down on violent criminals.

Joseph Hogsett, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, stood next to Bloomington police chiefs as he announced his plan at a press conference Tuesday.

“This is a historic and unprecedented level of local and federal collaboration to address violent crime,” Hogsett said.

Hogsett said the collaborative efforts will focus on drug trafficking and on criminals who use firearms in their illegal activities.

“For too many young people, it’s easier to get a gun than it is an education,” Hogsett said.

Although he declined to comment on policy making its way through the Indiana General Assembly that could make access to guns easier, Hogsett said the proposed initiative will help keep violent criminals off the street for good.

“Here in Bloomington, I have asked police and prosecutors to help identify the worst of the worst, offenders with criminal histories who cycle in and out of jails, and decide who among those repeat offenders should be prosecuted under federal law,” Hogsett said.

Under federal jurisdiction, the defendant could be eligible for stiffer sentences.

Hogsett said the attorney’s office will offer training to law enforcement officers on the evidence necessary to maximize successful federal prosecutions as well as assist in finding the necessary financial support.

Additionally, Hogsett said the initiative will increase the use of law enforcement tools such as authorized wiretaps, undercover and covert operations, surveillance, search warrants and the use of the grand jury to develop the best possible cases.

Police Chief Mike Diekhoff of the Bloomington Police Department said he looks forward to the collaboration.

“We’ve had an excellent working relationship so far and we are glad to see this initiative,” Diekhoff said. “We are glad to see these relationships form, to go after the worst of the worst.”