NOW THE PROSECUTORS MUST DO THEIR PART

Editor, Times-Dispatch: Street drug dealers have been a blight on our
community for many years, and residents have pleaded for strong
police action. At last, with the cooperation of city, state, and
federal levels of law enforcement we have seen significant arrests.
First Precinct Commander Captain Daniel Goodall listened to the
community and promised help. We are grateful for his strong
leadership, his fine officers, and all other departments that have
helped in this effort.

Now we ask that the judicial leadership step up and do its part. All
too often, the office of the Commonwealth's Attorney lets us down
through overuse of plea-bargaining and the excuse of sentencing
guidelines. When there is video proof of drug sales - many within
school zones - citizens expect stiff jail sentences. Many of these
people go free with a sentence of time served. This is not fair to
the community or to the police officers who risk their safety to make
the arrests.

I ask everybody involved to apply the stronger punishments I suspect
they'd find appropriate if these criminals were selling drugs from
the sidewalks in front of their houses.

Mary Ellen Otto,

Richmond