Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, US Attorney Zachary Myers, and IMPD Chief Randal Taylor announced three city positions to be filled.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSA) will focus on combating violent crimes in Marion County. They will do this by employing federal resources for efficient investigations and prosecutions.
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“With federal authority, these attorneys can help bring federal-sized consequences down onto those who are responsible for selling and using the illicit guns that fuel so much of Indy’s violence,” said Hogsett.
He said this plan can help eliminate the access points where criminals buy firearms. The goal is to further reduce the rate of violence in the city.
“This partnership came about because two of our officers were shot at and injured back in April by a person who had no business with a weapon of military caliber. I’m appreciative of this initiative,” said Taylor.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney
The City’s Office of Corporation Counsel will oversee the hiring process of the Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys. They will then be assigned to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana.
As full-time employees of the City of Indianapolis, these attorneys will directly report to the Corporation Counsel.
The funding for these positions received unanimous approval from the City-County Council July 10.
It covers compensation for two years, and Hogsett hopes to see it extended beyond this period.
“For anyone out there who is in Marion County, has a law degree, has three years of law experience and relevant experience in litigation whether criminal or civil and who cares about making your community safer, apply,” said Myers.
The three SAUSAs will serve as federal prosecutors representing the U.S. in criminal cases in the Southern District of Indiana.
Specifically, the appointed attorneys will handle cases of serious violent crimes, repeat offenders, and violations of federal firearms laws. This comes with emphasizing curbing illegal firearm distribution to criminals.
“This partnership will allow us to expand our office’s work to investigate and prosecute violent criminals, gun traffickers and illegally armed individuals who pose the greatest risk to our neighbors,” said Myers.
They will also handle cases involving unlawful utilization of emerging firearms technologies that pose an increased threat of gun violence to the general public.
Applicants can learn more and apply HERE.
Contact staff writer Jade Jackson at 317-607-5792 or by email jadej@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON
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