Mission accomplished.
Thanks to the efforts of a special undercover investigation, Marion County’s streets are a little safer.
The investigation, known as Operation Blue Haze, targeted drug and firearm trafficking within Marion County. It began in May when the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Fairmont Police Department conducted sweeping arrests — warrants were filed for 53 people, and 35 individuals had been arrested as of the first afternoon.
In the five months since the start of Operation Blue Haze, each of the 53 individuals has been indicted for criminal activity. Fifty-two of them have been convicted on drug and gun charges, and 51 have pleaded guilty in federal court. One has pleaded guilty in state court. And on Oct. 12, the last federal defendant pleaded guilty in federal court in Clarksburg.
In all, more than 20 firearms and $100,000 worth of drugs have been taken into custody. The case yielded pistols, revolvers, rounds of ammunition, ballistics vests, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana and prescription pills, and the individuals convicted through the investigation had been the subjects of more than 250 prior arrests.
Three of the individuals who were convicted have already been sentenced. The remaining defendants will face sentencing between now and Jan. 13, 2013. And because many of the defendants have long criminal histories, it’s likely they will face significant prison sentences.
The ultimate result? A safer Marion County.
As U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld II explained at a press conference last week, the case will have a long-term impact on the community.
“We made the streets of Fairmont safer because of all that we took off the streets — all of the guns, all of the drugs and all of the people that were committing bad acts in this town and this county,” Ihlenfeld said, adding that he hopes the results of Operation Blue Haze will deter others from participating in criminal behavior in the area.
Resident Agent in Charge Dewayne Haddix, of the ATF, confirmed that the investigation accomplished exactly what it set out to do.
“The goal was to improve the quality of life for the fine citizens of Marion County and the surrounding communities,” Haddix said. “That goal has been achieved.”
That sentiment was echoed by Fairmont Police Chief Kelley Moran, who said Operation Blue Haze has been instrumental in setting a precedent for the future of Fairmont.
“As a result of this investigation, we not only received convictions but we also received a lower crime rate,” he said. “The number of shootings and the number of robberies in Fairmont have decreased over the past six months.
“It sends a message that the city is going to work hard to clean up the streets,” he said.
And isn’t that the ultimate goal? After all, a safer community is something that benefits each of us, both now and in the future.
Opinion
Operation Blue Haze sends strong message, leads to safer community
- Opinion
-
-
Seizure of AP phone records is an insult to an independent press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
-
We change — at least a little — after each attack
How well do we remember the world as it was before 9/11?
Do we remember what airline security was like? Life before the Patriot Act? What was the school environment like before school shooting at Columbine and Sandy Hook? -
Record-breaking years for Pierpont, FSU give students strong opportunities
When people make the decision to further their education — whether they’re going to college immediately after high school or heading back to the classroom after several years of being in the workforce — there are plenty of potential obstacles to consider.
-
Sound policy would give coal a chance, not erase challenges
It’s no secret that the region’s coal industry faces challenges from many sides.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration, through a report it began releasing last month, forecast that although total U.S. coal production is expected to rise after 2016, Appalachian coal will not. -
Peace Officers Memorial Day: Honoring those who keep us safe
Today, all U.S. and West Virginia state flags will be lowered to half staff in memory of the officers who died in the line of duty, making this state and this country a safer place to live, for Peace Officers Memorial Day.
-
Each and every day should be Mother’s Day
Anna Jarvis, from our neighboring city of Grafton, began the tradition that on the second Sunday of May, mothers and motherhood would receive a national celebration and recognition.
From those early local beginnings, Mother’s Day has evolved and become one of the most celebrated days of the year. -
Teens need co-pilots to navigate social media
It’s tough to be the parent of a teen.
Heck, it’s tough to be the parent of a preteen. Ten is the new 15 these days. Fifteen is the new 21. Kids grow up so fast, and we have to fight them every step of the way to make sure they’re not growing up too fast. It’s a constant question of whether something is age-appropriate and the constant response of “all of my other friends are doing it.” -
Proposed bill levels playing field for local businesses
The study of economics is vast, complicated and debatable on almost every point.
There are those who are conservative in their estimates when given all factors to calculate into a model. -
Move past baloney and continue quest to ensure students get meals they need
It’s time to move past the baloney ... or bologna ... or lack of same at school lunch.
-
‘Relentless efforts’ made by teachers are appreciated
Each weekday in classrooms across the country, men and women stand in front of young minds that are waiting to be molded, looking to be inspired, craving the lessons that will help shape their futures.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Seizure of AP phone records is an insult to an independent press
