Special Assistant Sworn in as Department of Justice Reinvigorates Project Safe Neighborhoods
Today, United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of “Project Safe Neighborhoods," one of the Department’s signature programs to reduce violent crime.
In the Southern District of Ohio, U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman and Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien announced a partnership to enhance an anti-violence initiative in Columbus.
The strategy includes a committed focus from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to work collaboratively to identify those individuals who consistently use firearms to commit crimes, who habitually possess illegal firearms, and who present a clear threat to the safety of the community.
The same initiative was implemented in Cincinnati in February 2016 and has resulted in prosecuting more than 50 habitual offenders with federal gun charges.
“Over the last year and a half, the Southern District of Ohio has been on the cutting edge in developing a comprehensive, proactive approach to reducing violent crime," said U.S. Attorney Glassman. “The Department’s reinvigoration of Project Safe Neighborhoods should provide us with additional support to strengthen our efforts."
In Franklin County, Assistant Prosecutor Jason Manning was sworn in today as a federal Special Assistant United States Attorney, in order to increase the capacity for federal gun and violence cases and to further the collaboration between federal and county authorities in effectively prosecuting the most violent offenders.
“I am grateful for the partnership with Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien," Glassman said. “Working closely together with our state and local partners is crucial to effective reduction of violent crime in our communities in the Southern District of Ohio."
Federally, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Offenders who possess a firearm after having been convicted of three violent felonies, moreover, face between 15 years and life in prison.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
