• 38-Yeard Old Franklin Indicted In Death of Pedestrian
• Death Penalty Indictment in Gang-Related Double Homicide
• Prosecutor's Office Reduces Budget
• Sean Warner Sentenced to 13 Years for Aggravated Robbery
• 18-Year Old Earns 10 Years for Armed Robbery of Tom's Cigar Store

On the national scene, the F.B.I. has recently “smoked out” eleven Russian spies. Locally, we have seen the F.B.I. shut down several multi-million dollar fraud schemes. Over the years, our office has experienced F.B.I. assistance in dismantling major drug organizations; two of those cases involved aggravated murders. Even recently, we just concluded a two-year investigation involving a gang executed double-homicide (resulting in a capital murder indictment) in which the F.B.I. rendered significant assistance.

During the 4th of July holiday, it’s natural to have appreciation for our forefathers and those in the military who preserve and protect our independence. It would be equally appropriate to appreciate the men and women in federal law enforcement. They quietly, yet in a huge way, protect us on a daily basis from terrorists, spies, and the worst and most destructive criminals.

Federal law enforcement agencies often go about their work seeking little notoriety or publicity. The Secret Service, for example, aggressively pursues counterfeit currency crimes, yet the public hears little. Enforcing the integrity of our currency is an important factor in maintaining the credibility (and stability) of our economic system. I’ve observed first hand the professionalism exercised by those in the F.B.I., U.S. Marshall’s Office, D.E.A., and Secret Service. We could not survive as a free democracy without their services.

If people knew the behind-the-scenes activities, they would have a much higher regard for those in government fighting crime and corruption. While I’m not easily impressed, the quality of work, as well as the commitment, is extremely note-worthy. We are safer because ordinary men and women are performing extra-ordinary service for our country.

Parents and teachers should promote, and encourage, young people to work toward a career in law enforcement. Young attorneys exiting law school should investigate a career with the F.B.I. or a similar agency.

If young people remain the hope of tomorrow, then it is important to guide them toward careers in law enforcement. Federal law enforcement officers have the kind of responsibilities that go a long way toward preserving our government, as well as our way of life.

-Robin Piper - Butler County Prosecutor