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Momentum begins to build against pain pill sellers – Part 1

The fastest growing form of addiction in the United States is the illicit use of prescription pill narcotics. The rise in drug crimes associated with the operation of pain management clinics that illegally prescribe and sell prescription pain killers has led to a nationwide crackdown. The epicenter of the nationwide crackdown against prescription drug misuse is Florida. Recently, authorities in Florida have been building cases against doctors and clinics by making undercover drug purchases.

Drinking and driving may have caused deadly Brooklyn Center crash

A car accident caused by drinking and driving can hurt the families of all of the individuals involved. On Saturday night a fatal car accident occurred in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. The car accident killed a 21-year-old female and a 22-year-old male who were stopped at a red light together. The 21-year-old driver that caused the crash is suspected of drinking and driving.

Prosecution of juvenile crime falls in Dakota County

Last month, we wrote about the fall in juvenile crime prosecutions in Hennepin County. This month information has been released that shows Dakota County is also experiencing a similar trend. The downward trend in juvenile crime prosecutions in Dakota County has occurred consistently over the last eight years. The local trend is a part of a national decline in the number of juveniles who face prosecution and need criminal defense. Some legal experts believe the downward direction of juvenile crimes is attributed to anti-bullying, anti-drug abuse and juvenile crime prevention initiatives.

Local White Collar Crime Case Comes to an End

The story of Denny Hecker’s white collar crime case has finally come to end. The former owner of a local auto empire was sentenced to a prison term of 10 years for two counts of fraud and one count of conspiracy on Friday. Hecker was given the maximum sentence and was also ordered to repay $31.36 million to victims. It is expected that Hecker will serve his prison time in Minnesota, but the final decision of where he will serve his prison term will be left to the United States Bureau of Prisons.

The concern with the ‘CSI Effect’

For every criminal case the prosecution and the criminal defense must use the available evidence to demonstrate their case. These days some prosecutors believe that a certain crime show may be making their job more difficult, CSI. Some prosecutors think that the crime show CSI has created a new expectation among jury members. The new expectation is that tests that use high technology should be used to convict defendants. The new trend is referred to as the CSI Effect.

‘Bath Salts’ come under fire as they are branded a health danger

Synthetic drugs referred to as “bath salts” have recently come under fire as a detriment to human health, and the White House Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske provided a warning against using them on Tuesday. Though plans to make the drug illegal were not announced, Senator Charles Schumer has created a bill that would put the drugs on the federal list of controlled substances and turn them into a drug crime.

Vietnamese Internet Crime Ring Has Possible Links to Minnesota

A Vietnamese internet crime ring under investigation for a number of white collar crimes including fraud, money laundering and identity theft may have a connection to Minnesota. The federal investigation is being conducted by the United States Department of Homeland Security and is called “Operation eMule.” The crime ring uses hundreds of stolen identities to swindle thousands of dollars from online retailers. Two 22-year-old college students from Winona State University have been linked to the ring by investigators.

Benny Sapp cited for careless driving and assault at hospital

While Vikings cornerback Benny Sapp may be a growing figure in Minnesota sports, he is also a parent. Like many Minneapolis parents, there is nothing more frightening that knowing your child is in the hospital. Having a child with a serious enough illness or medical condition to require hospitalization puts most parents on edge. Whether this means they have a short fuse, are not acting with their normal judgment or are somewhat confrontational, no one should understand this better than hospital staff.