A new initiative to combat violent crime in Mississippi's Capitol City is warning criminals, they're closing the revolving door. As MPB's Desare Frazier reports, bonds and parole are off the table.
Flanked by federal, state and local law enforcement, Mississippi U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst says they're tired of being tired of the violence in Jackson. He announced the start of a violent crime fighting initiative called "Project Eject."
"We're going to arrest you immediately. We're going to seek detention so there won't be any bond. We're not going to cut a deal where you're out in a few months. You're going to go to federal prison which has no parole and you're probably going to serve your sentence far, far away from Mississippi, said Hurst.
The FBI reports Jackson ranked 6th in the nation for murders and manslaughters last year. The FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration are among a dozen agencies that will work to identify cases the federal government can prosecute. Hurst says 18 people have been indicted already. He talked about the killing of a 6-year old, the discovery of a decapitated head and armed carjackings saying "enough is enough. Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance is encouraged.
"That's one of the things that we're fighting so hard about is trying to rid Jackson, Mississippi of that albatross of being crime ridden of being dangerous. That's why I'm so encouraged," said Vance.
Hurst says non-profits and faith-based groups will help with prevention and rehabilitation of felons. Amy Lancaster and her husband operate "We Will Go Ministries." They live in Jackson's downtown inner city.
"We give people jobs. We opened a coffee shop on Farish Street. We opened a wood shop on Farish Street. We give people actual employment. It doesn't matter if you're a felon. It doesn't matter to me. Jesus will give you and I will too," said Lancaster.
Attorney Mike Hurst says the effort is part of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Session's goal to reduce violent crime nationwide.
