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Tuesday marked my 100th day in office. And in those 100 days, my team and I have worked over 900 felony counts, accelerated the pace of prosecution, forged relationships with partners in law enforcement and community stakeholders, delivered justice for victims, and reduced the number of pending cases and backlogs.
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As part of my commitment to combat Memphis crime in DeSoto County, I purposefully made an example out of those who use our state line to evade justice. Early in my tenure, I personally tried a Memphis man who shot at a Southaven police officer during an auto burglary, resulting in a conviction and 38-year prison sentence and sending a clear message to Memphis criminals and those who endanger our law enforcement officers: you will not find refuge in our jurisdiction. Offenders can expect to face the consequences of their choices, including incarceration in the challenging environment of Parchman in the hot Mississippi Delta
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In an effort to keep DeSoto County safe, our office, in collaboration with local and federal law enforcement, established a new Task Force dedicated to expediting the apprehension of dangerous and violent offenders indicted by the Grand Jury. Traditionally, the process of apprehending individuals indicted under seal has been time-consuming, potentially allowing dangerous offenders to remain at large in the community. However, this Task Force will allow partners in law enforcement to streamline the legal process of prosecution and ensure these dangerous individuals are swiftly brought before the court to face the consequences of their actions.
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Upon assuming office, I initiated Phase I of our Grand Jury restructuring plan. This involved strategically assigning experienced prosecutors and support staff to the Grand Jury and providing specialized training (TRACE) to law enforcement, resulting in a more efficient system. Since its implementation, we have significantly increased the rate at which felony cases can be prosecuted, improved agency notice from 24 hours to 2 weeks, reduced the backlog of criminal cases, and ensured that violent criminals are given the harshest penalties under the law.
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I also championed a plan to help tackle the drug epidemic in our community by collaborating with stakeholders to establish a Metro DeSoto Drug Lab. This proposed plan aims to significantly reduce wait times from one to two years to less than three weeks, ensuring that drug charges do not expire under the statute of limitations and criminals are held accountable for their actions. With unanimous support from the Board of Supervisors, mayors, and sheriff, Phase I of the Metro DeSoto Drug Lab is now underway. The objective is to have two forensic scientists in place by the end of summer that will yield immediate results for DeSoto County. I am humbled to collaborate and serve with other community leaders who share a commitment to prioritizing public safety.
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During my campaign, I vowed to gain and improve the public's trust in government and to lead with respect and integrity. I am fulfilling this pledge by publishing a first-ever annual report for the District Attorney’s Office. This report will offer a comprehensive overview of departmental activities, achievements, case statistics, and additional relevant information. The annual report covering the 2024 calendar year will be released in late 2024 on the District Attorney’s new website.
I also created the first-ever Public Corruption Division within the office to build trust in those who hold office and ensure the government is working for its intended purpose. Mississippians deserve to have confidence in those who we elect or who work in the public sector. It will be my duty to ensure that confidence is maintained and those who use their position of power for public gain are scrutinized and held accountable to taxpayers.
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Lastly, weak prosecutorial standards such as what we see in Memphis are a dangerous trend where criminals are given freedom to terrorize communities with little consequence. This liberal ideology is turning cities like Memphis into a haven for lawlessness, eroding the safety and well-being of its residents and neighboring communities like ours. I have made it known that we will not succumb to this trend by advocating for the state's position regarding bail for violent criminals. I have made every effort to ensure bail conditions are set or withheld appropriately, in strict adherence to the law, ensuring that these offenders are not released onto our streets to recommit another crime.
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DeSoto County’s success is no accident. It's a culmination of top-tier schools, committed public servants, strategic choices, and the valorous efforts of law enforcement. Without these pillars, we would not have the blueprint for the economic and educational triumphs we have in DeSoto County. That is why the primary focus of my administration's first 100 days was to establish a robust foundation that preserves this quality of life for this generation and the next. And I am humbled to carry out this great responsibility you placed in me.
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