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NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Biden contact/M.
Jane Brady $480,000 Received by State to Prosecute Crimes Committed with Firearms (Wilmington, DE) - United States Senator Joseph R. Biden, chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs, and Attorney General M. Jane Brady, of Delaware, today announced that Delaware will receive nearly $500,000 in federal grant funds to create a specialized unit with four, full time prosecutors dedicated solely to prosecuting firearm-related cases. These prosecutors will continue and expand the joint review of all firearm charges currently undertaken by the Attorney General's office and the United States Attorney's Office to determine if the cases best warrant state or federal prosecution. The addition of these attorneys, dedicated specifically to handling these cases is expected to increase the prosecution of firearm-related cases. "By developing this heightened, coordinated emphasis on preparing and prosecuting firearms cases, we are sending a clear message to would-be criminals: if you commit a crime in Delaware with a gun, the prosecution will be swift and the punishment severe," said Senator Biden. "The addition of these resources, and the proposed amendments to the laws relating to the possession of firearms by persons convicted of violent crimes in my Legislative Agenda this year will greatly assist us in our efforts to keep violent offenders off the streets and respond appropriately to the commission of gun violence," said Brady. Last year, Delaware prosecuted 854 cases involving illegal firearms trafficking or possession. Other cities and states, such as Boston and Virginia, that have established these specialized units have seen dramatic results in decreasing their gun violence rates. This three year grant is
administered through the United States Department of Justice. |