Offenders get stern warning at SIGI's fifth call-in

The message was loud and clear: Quit selling drugs or face the full wrath of the judicial system.

The Statesville-Iredell Gang Initiative held its fifth “call-in” last week, and from Statesville Police Chief Tom Anderson to Dana Washington of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, eight offenders heard realities about their futures if they continued to lead their current lifestyles.

The call-ins target mid-level offenders and give them the message that there are resources to get their lives back on track but, if they choose to maintain their criminal lifestyles, they are facing the harsh realities of the criminal justice system.

The latest group of offenders came from a recent drug roundup, and some 10 people received invitations to the call-in.

As the eight who showed up for the call-in came into the auditorium at the Mitchell Community College Continuing Education Center, a PowerPoint presentation was shown on a screen at the front of the auditorium. On it, photos of those under indictment or already serving sentences for drug and other charges, were displayed.

SPD Sgt. Dan Miglin said the PowerPoint is also a warning to the offenders. “I hope you pay attention to what their sentences were. You could be on that PowerPoint at our next call-in,” he said. “Your future starts tonight.”

SIGI community resources coordinator Victoria Harris told the eight they were chosen for one reason. “We believe you can be successful or we wouldn’t be wasting our time here tonight,” she said.

Local defense attorney David Benbow compared his role as a lawyer to what was being offered to those offenders. “Usually I am standing right here beside one of you facing a judge,” he said. “It is my job to protect your rights but it is also my job to advise you of a good deal.”

The offer for resources and assistance, he said, is a good deal.

Anderson told the offenders and those in the audience that law enforcement is changing tactics in dealing with the same people over and over again, and that’s why he is such a firm believer in the SIGI approach. “We can’t arrest our way out of this program,” he said.

Anderson said this program proved to be effective in reducing violent crime in High Point, where it began more than a dozen years ago, and he has seen those numbers decrease in Statesville since SIGI began more than two years ago.

“The majority of you have cases awaiting indictment,” Anderson said to the offenders.

And, if they choose to continue criminal activity, he said, they will be dealt with at the highest possible level.

Assistant District Attorney Mikko Red Arrow told them the full force of the criminal justice system is looming. “Drug use, drug dealing in Statesville is over,” he said. “The people of your community came forward to tell you they’re tired of it.”

He warned the offenders that they are now on the radar for law enforcement and the criminal justice system. “The rules have changed. We will use every resource at our disposal to get your attention,” he said.

The flip side of this dire warning, he said, is that SIGI is bringing resources to the table that have never been so readily available in the past.

“I’ve never seen such a wide range of responses,” he said. “We are extending an open hand, and hoping you will grab that hand.”

Washington told them many are destined for the federal prison system if they do not change their ways. “Every one of you are candidates to end up there,” he said.

“We give life all day in federal court, and that means exactly what it sounds like. The only way out of federal prison is in a box,” he said.

John Nash from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) spoke more bluntly than the others on the panel. The others told the offenders they were offering this helping hand because they cared.

“This community cares about you. I don’t care about you. I don’t have to live with you,” he said. “Quite frankly, I’ve got enough problems in Charlotte,” he said. Normally, he said, their crimes would not draw the attention of federal authorities, but thanks to this initiative, that has changed.

“Congratulations, you’ve got our attention,” he said.

Nash told them the federal government will use all its resource to build a solid case. “We know how to do. We’ve been doing it for a long time,” he said. “Most of the time, the evidence is so overwhelming, you have to plead if you ever want to see the light of day again.”

Miglin concluded the call-in by telling the offenders there is a lifeline to get out of the criminal lifestyle. “We’re here for you,” he said.

Miglin said representatives of agencies that can help with job training, education and child care were on hand to offer assistance.

Anderson told the offenders this assistance is not being offered without conditions.

“This is not a get out of jail free card,” he said. “It is up to you.”