BEAUMONT, Texas - Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney John M. Bales and Jefferson County District Attorney Cory Crenshaw today announced the formation of a multi-jurisdictional Task Force. The mission of the Task Force will be to investigate and prosecute major crimes - more specifically, violent crime and crimes related to the abuse of public trust.
“By combining our investigative and prosecutorial resources, we can more effectively gather and evaluate all cases, and use all of the state and federal prosecution tools needed to stop and punish any criminal activity associated with public corruption," Crenshaw said. “We look forward to ensuring that those who have abused their positions of public trust will be prosecuted and removed from those positions. Our Task Force will bring to justice any individual who has abused the people’s trust and put both the future of our children and our economy at great risk."
“This Task Force signifies a new and exciting era of collaboration of law enforcement resources in Jefferson County," said U.S. Attorney Bales. “Our objective is not complicated, but it is bold - we aim to make Jefferson County a safer, better place to live. This unique, collaborative effort will work to ensure that state and federal law enforcement resources are maximized to address our most serious criminal problems."
The Task Force will be led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher T. Tortorice and Joseph R. Batte, former Assistant District Attorney Luke Nichols who will rejoin the District Attorney's Office this month, and Assistant District Attorneys Koby Hoffpauir and Logan Campbell. Additionally, the Task Force will evaluate cases that fall under both state and federal prosecutorial jurisdictions. The final prosecutorial jurisdiction will be determined on a case by case basis, and will be determined in the light of prosecutorial efficiency and relevant state and federal laws. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Education Office of Inspector General and the Texas Rangers will also be members of the Task Force. #
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
