Mayor Applauds Creation Of Federal Violent Crimes Unit For Chicago
Feds Form Team To Fight Chicago Street Violence
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A new team of federal prosecutors has been assigned to address violent crime in Chicago.
WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports the mayor applauded the move by the U.S. Attorney's office to create a new violent crimes section.
U.S. Atty. Zach Fardon launched the new special unit earlier this month. It has been staffed with 16 federal prosecutors, led by Assistant U.S. Atty. Ron DeWald. A spokesman for the office said the unit brings together talented attorneys to help the city tamp down street violence.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel said he doesn't know if it will mean more resources for federal prosecutors, but he's pleased with the decision.
"I met with Zach when he came here, and I welcome that the U.S. Attorney is creating this unit to deal with gun violence, and I think it's a good thing," he said. "When he came into the office, this is exactly what we talked about."
The new unit is a spinoff from the larger narcotics and gangs unit, and is part of a general restructuring of the U.S. Attorney's office in Chicago.
