STING BRINGS NEW ORLEANS DRUG CASES TO JUSTICE

Re: "Drug sweep fails to hinder crime," Page 1, Dec. 13.

I believe that any attempt to bring drug offenders to justice is a
positive one. As a result of the Police Department's "Playin' with the
Fellas" sting operation, 15 drug cases reached final disposition and
all resulted in convictions.

Communication among the New Orleans Police Department and the Orleans
Parish District Attorney's Office remains very good. Prior to warrants
being issued for the sting operation, NOPD contacted my office. As a
result, we assigned a special screening assistant district attorney to
these cases. We received approximately 100 cases at one time. The
other cases are being reviewed as arrests are made.

The article refers to instances where judges imposed probation instead
of prison time in 12 cases and waived minimum sentencing with a
referral to drug court. Drug court is only prohibited if a defendant
has a prior felony conviction for a crime of violence. However, I
believe that a prison sentence may be more appropriate when a
defendant is already on probation or parole.

In regard to the article's reference to a judge's reduction of bond
and recognizance release, my assistant district attorneys recommend
appropriate bonds. However, judges determine the amount.

I consider "Operation Playin' with the Fellas" a success in that all
of the cases adjudicated have resulted in convictions. However, in
order to make our streets safer from drug offenders, all components of
the criminal justice system must exercise sound discretion.

Eddie J. Jordan Jr.

District Attorney

New Orleans