Friday, April 25, 2008

U.S. to Hire More Prosecutors For Southwest Border Region

The Justice Department said yesterday that it will add 64 prosecutors in U.S. attorney's offices along the southwest border to better combat immigration offenses, human trafficking, drug smuggling and money laundering.

Deputy Attorney General Mark Filip, visiting law enforcement operations in Tucson, said the agency will spend $7 million for the new positions. The money will go to offices in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.

Justice has asked Congress for $100 million in its 2009 budget for additional attorneys, drug enforcement agents and deputy U.S. marshals on the southwest border.

Republicans have accused the Bush administration of not doing enough to protect the borders.

Number of Children From Sect Grows

SAN ANGELO, Tex.-- The number of children in Texas custody after being taken from a polygamist retreat now stands at 462, because officials believe another 25 mothers from the compound are younger than 18. Child Protective Services spokesman Darrell Azar says the girls initially claimed to be adults but are now in state custody. They had been staying with their children at a shelter at the San Angelo Coliseum. About 260 children remain at the coliseum. The others were bused to foster facilities.

Terms Are Cut for Many Crack Inmates

More than 3,000 crack cocaine convicts have had their prison sentences cut since the federal government eased penalties for offenses involving the drug. A study by the U.S. Sentencing Commission says it is not clear how many offenders have been released from custody after having their sentences reduced. In all, 3,647 crack offenders have applied for early prison release since March 3, when new guidelines were enacted. The study says judges have agreed to reduce sentences for 3,075 inmates.

4 Workers in Tunnel Rescued in Kansas

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Fire crews rescued four construction workers after they became trapped in a flooded river tunnel. Kevin Shirley, deputy chief of the fire department in Kansas City, said the men were working on a flood-control project when their boat capsized. Two of the men were able to climb onto dry land. The other two were swept downstream but were wearing life preservers and were rescued by fire crews in boats.

Suspect in Racist Letters Is Held in Ohio

CLEVELAND -- A man suspected of writing racially hateful letters to blacks, including Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, pleaded not guilty in federal court. The judge ordered David Tuason, 46, of suburban Pepper Pike held without bond.

W.Va. University Chastised Over Degree

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- An independent panel has chastised West Virginia University for retroactively awarding Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin's daughter a master's degree she did not earn. University President Mike Garrison said it's unclear whether disciplinary action should be taken against the academic officers who ordered a change in Heather Bresch's records.

-- From News Services