U.S. Attorney Says Office Is Focused On Bigger, More Time-Consuming Crimes. Criminal prosecutions have dropped dramatically at the U.S. Attorney's office in Minneapolis under the leadership of B. Todd Jones, rankling some in law enforcement. A Star Tribune analysis of federal prosecutions in Minnesota in the past six fiscal years shows that significantly fewer people are being charged -- especially those involved in drug crimes. Drug suspects made up 60 percent of the defendants charged under former U.S. Attorneys Thomas Heffelfinger and Rachel Paulose in 2006. Under Jones they account for just 36 percent, and illustrate a major shift in the office's priorities. [continues 825 words]
In the desert southwest, reality and mirage are often one in the same. A gust of wind, and facts disappear. A downpour in a nearby mountain, and roads fade to memories. Were they ever there? You remember them, don't you? Charles Bowden is at home in this flux. In his 12th nonfiction book, "Down by the River: Drugs, Money, Murder and Family," Bowden charts a seven-year investigation into the murder of Bruno Jordan, an El Paso suit salesman who wanted to be a lawyer. [continues 501 words]
