Federal Gov't To Prosecute Flint Gun Crimes

FLINT (WWJ) - The Federal government is helping to crack down on gun violence in Flint.  Felons caught with guns there will have to face federal prosecutors.

WWJ Newsradio 950's Florence Walton reports on the one million dollar pilot public safety program.

U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade says Federal prosecutors will take over as many gun cases in Flint that qualify and prosecute them in Federal Court.

"Gun violence in Flint has just become intolerable, and so we have worked there cooperatively with the state and local officials to say we are going to take every qualifying gun case that we can for Federal prosecution," said McQuade.

"And the advantage of Federal Court is that the sentences are significantly stiffer,  and we want the public and the criminals to know, if you commit a gun crime in Flint, you are going to do hard time," said McQuade.

Governor Rick Snyder has appropriated one million dollars for the pilot public safety project. Flint's mayor welcomes the program because his city has recorded 32 homicides so far this year.