Prosecuting Gang Activity in Georgia
Friends,
Unfortunately, because of the lack of support for law enforcement in some of our urban areas, crime has become a fact of life for too many law-abiding Georgians.
Prompted by this dereliction of duty at the local level, Republicans in the General Assembly took action.
HB 1134, which we enacted in our last session, provides the Office of the Attorney General with concurrent jurisdiction to prosecute criminal gang activity statewide. Whether because a complex case can often overwhelm local prosecutors, or because local prosecutors simply do not act, the expertise and skill of the Attorney General’s office can and should be brought to bear to keep our communities safe.
Seventeen members of the “183 Gangster Bloods” were recently indicted following a large investigation conducted by the GBI and the Department of Corrections teams. The indictment, obtained by the Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit in Barrow County, charges the defendants with engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity that spans 10 Georgia counties and includes murder, trafficking in Fentanyl and other dangerous drugs, various weapons offenses, and the recruitment of children.
Since becoming operational in July after funding was provided in our Fiscal Year 2023 budget, the Gang Prosecution Unit has obtained 11 indictments, charging 46 alleged gang members and associates, including those announced today.
I am proud of the positive impact this legislation will have across Georgia in providing the tools for our state leaders to keep our communities safe.
Legislation like this should make absolutely clear what is at stake in our election on November 8th.
Conclusion
Public safety is of paramount importance to Governor Kemp and our House Republican Team and we will continue to give law enforcement the support to keep Georgia safe.
Always remember that should you have questions, comments, or concerns about issues affecting District 159, you can always reach out to me at 404.656.5052, Jon.Burns@house.ga.gov, or on Facebook at www.FB.com/JonBurnsGA.