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ATF's Efforts to Combat Armed Violence in North Dakota



FARGO, N.D., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Special Agent in Charge
Bernard Zapor of the St. Paul Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced today the 2006 results and ongoing
ATF efforts toward combating armed violence throughout the region and
nation.
In North Dakota during 2006, ATF working in partnership with law
enforcement throughout the state was able to combat firearms violence in
our communities. Following are just a couple examples of the cases that
were worked throughout the state:
* ATF, the West Fargo Police Department and the Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA) worked a multi-defendant case involving the Mexican
Mafia DTO gang. As a result of a two-year intensive investigation, 26
people were found guilty of a variety of charges, including continuing
criminal enterprise, federal firearms and narcotics violations. All 26 have
been sentenced -- with two receiving life sentences, two receiving
sentences of more than 300 months and two receiving sentences exceeding 200
months. As a result of this investigation, seven firearms, more than $8,500
in cash, 446 rounds of ammunition and more than 15 kilos of methamphetamine
were seized.
* In October 2006, one person was sentenced to life imprisonment for
methamphetamine distribution and 25 years to run consecutively for
utilizing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. This investigation
resulted in the seizure of four firearms, one pound of methamphetamine, one
ounce of cocaine, more than $15,000 in cash and approximately 300 rounds of
ammunition.
* ATF and the North Dakota State Patrol worked cooperatively on a case
involving four people resulting in the seizure of five guns, three ounces
of methamphetamine and 250 rounds of ammunition. In December 2006, one of
the people involved in the case was sentenced to 15 years incarceration and
five years of supervised release.
In addition to those listed above, in calendar year 2006 the U.S.
Attorney's Office prosecuted 36 other firearms-related cases involving 39
defendants and 124 firearms.
"The law enforcement and prosecutorial relationships in North Dakota
add to the safety of all citizens," Zapor said. "We recognize the role that
firearms play in violent crimes and share our investigative techniques with
all agencies.
"Our law enforcement strategy focuses on armed violent offenders and
career criminals. Our regulatory strategy seeks to curb the illegal
purchase and use of firearms and strives to ensure that federally licensed
firearms dealers are in compliance with the federal laws."
Fargo ATF Resident Agent in Charge Tom Fahy stated, "ATF values our
partnerships with other federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement,
and this is evident in these successful investigations putting armed
violent offenders in jail, and making our streets safer."
ATF recognizes that enforcement efforts need to be combined with
prevention in order to successfully combat the problems of gangs in our
communities. ATF has supported the G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education
and Training) Program since 1992. G.R.E.A.T. is a structured school-based
program aimed at reducing violence and gang activity.
"Felons, drug traffickers and other violent offenders who illegally
carry firearms pose a grave threat to public safety," said United States
Attorney Drew Wrigley. "Each one of these prosecutions helps to ensure that
North Dakota remains the safest state in the Union."
More information on ATF and its programs to reduce violent crime can be
found at http://www.atf.gov
Contact: PIO-Sherry Duval, 651-726-0200