Pubdate: Wed, 30 Dec 2009
Source: Sampson Independent, The (NC)
Copyright: 2009, The Sampson Independent
Contact:  http://www.clintonnc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1704
Author: Doug Clark
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

SHERIFF: COOPERATION AMONG AGENCIES, CITIZENS HAVE HELPED MOVE METH OUT

Stamping out meth in Sampson County, and moving dealers out of the
area, has been a major focus of the Sampson County Sheriff's
Department for several years, a goal that is reflected in the joint
ventures with other law enforcement agencies across the state and nation.

Because of the successes, Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton
recently discussed the importance of interagency cooperation with
close to 50 U.S. attorneys at a meeting in Raleigh.

Thornton was invited to speak in front of the group by Frank Brashser,
an assistant U.S. Attorney who recently worked with the sheriff to
bring indictments against suspected meth lab operators in the county.

The presentation came almost a year after the federal indictments of
nine people involved in meth lab production during "Operation Juiced
Out" in December 2008.

"Because of the success and the cooperation that we got between this
office, the U.S. Attorney's office and the SBI, Frank invited me to
Raleigh to give a brief presentation about how that cooperation
between the agencies can be productive and positive," said the
sheriff. "I felt honored to have the opportunity. The federal
prosecution with the meth labs in this county was the first time that
had ever happened, and it was successful because of the way all of the
agencies worked together."

Thornton said the beginnings of "Operation Juiced Out" began in
February 2008.

"The next month (March), we met with the SBI supervisors and agents
there and never looked back," he said. "It was truly a team effort
through the three agencies."

It was also very effective, the sheriff points out.

In addition to the nine federal indictments already handed down,
Thornton said there were at least 12 more expected some time in January.

"The work did have an impact here, and I am appreicative that they
gave us the chance to work together," the sheriff said. "I think it
speaks well not only for my staff, but it speaks well for the SBI and
their staff and the U.S. Attorney's office and the superior
cooperation. If they didn't have the confidence in what we were doing
to build cases and have the evidence to prosecute, it would have never
happened."

The numbers also don't lie.

Since the Sampson County Sheriff's Office Meth Task force formed in
2004, the number of drug-related calls have increased from the public.

"The Task Force has been getting the word out and telling people in
the community what to look for," said Thornton. "It took time, but it
educated the general public about meth labs; that effort paid off -- we
started getting calls. The reason why those numbers were up is because
of that dialogue set by the task force, and we were able to be
successful because the public knew what to look for."

Thornton points to the numbers last year.

Sampson County investigators uncovered 24 meth labs in 2008. In 2009,
there were only 4 -- and 5 dump sites.

"We had 57 responses for potential labs last year. It was almost cut
in half this year, with 39," said Thornton. "When we initiated
Operation Juice Out and the dealers started realizing that we were
working with the SBI and U.S. Attorney's Office, to prosecute
federally, thanks to that cooperation, the dealers knew that they
would be day-for-day in jail if they got caught."

In addition, the OCA (Officer Case Assignment) numbers at the
department are 536 less than they were last year. Thornton said
dealers also realized that being prosecuted federally is something
that most weren't willing to risk.

"If you look at the numbers of meth labs in surrounding counties in
comparison to us, they are not in our county, they (the dealers) are
moving out of here," he said. "We are the largest land mass area in
the state, so the opportunity for dealers is there and the availablity
is easier. So without the public's input, it would make these labs
very difficult to find. It just shows that if everyone works together,
we can make a difference."

The winner in all of it is the citizens of Sampson County, said
Thornton.

"We have really made a name for ourselves here," he said. "We are not
looked at as a redneck county by other agencies. It is because of
arrests like these, because of the effort and willingness to work with
these agencies. I am very proud of my staff. Yes, the winner in all of
this is the citizens of this county."

"Am I satisfied with where we are? No," Thornton added. "We are going
to continue to work to get these drugs off the streets. With these
other 11-12 indictments, they have not been forgotten, it is really
going to send a message. Those nine out there are not out there
stealing to get the drugs or stealing for the dealers -- It has a
direct effect on what is going on in the community." 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D