JACKSON COUNTY, W.Va. — U.S. Attorney Moore Capito spent Monday meeting with local officials and law enforcement in Jackson County, Ripley, and Ravenswood, outlining his priorities for the Southern District of West Virginia. The visits are part of a broader effort by Capito to connect with communities across the district and address pressing public safety concerns. A key focus of his work, he emphasized, will be protecting vulnerable populations from fraud and exploitation, particularly the elderly and children. This commitment to safeguarding the most susceptible members of society underscores a broader strategy to enhance public safety and bolster trust in law enforcement throughout the region.
Capito’s visit comes at a time when communities across the country are grappling with increasing instances of elder fraud and crimes against children. According to the Federal Trade Commission, reports of fraud targeting seniors have surged in recent years, resulting in significant financial losses. The FTC reported over 737,000 reports of fraud in 2022, with substantial losses attributed to scams targeting older adults. Simultaneously, law enforcement agencies are facing a growing challenge in addressing online exploitation and abuse of children, often complicated by the anonymity afforded by the internet.
“I think that’s the most dangerous thing you can have on your corner. Somebody who is using drugs, that’s really dangerous on your corner, but a child predator? I think that’s the peak right there,” Capito said during his meetings, highlighting the severity of crimes against children. This sentiment reflects a growing national consensus among law enforcement officials that protecting children from exploitation is a paramount concern.
Drug Supply Routes and Interagency Cooperation
During discussions with local law enforcement, Capito learned that Akron, Ohio, has emerged as a significant source of illicit drugs flowing into Jackson County. This information isn’t new. law enforcement agencies in West Virginia have been tracking drug supply routes for years, and Ohio has consistently been identified as a key transit point. The Charleston Gazette-Mail reported in 2023 on the ongoing issue of drugs originating in Ohio. Capito emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between state and federal agencies to effectively combat drug trafficking and address the opioid crisis, which continues to plague West Virginia.
A significant challenge facing Capito’s office is staffing. He noted that there are currently 17 vacancies for prosecutors within the Southern District of West Virginia. This shortage of personnel could potentially impact the office’s ability to prosecute cases efficiently and maintain strong relationships with local law enforcement partners. Capito assured officers that he would provide a prompt response to their inquiries, even if a case ultimately isn’t pursued at the federal level.
Federal Resources and Airport Security
The meetings also touched upon the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to airports across the country amid staffing shortages with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The deployment, initially announced by President Trump, was intended to provide support with crowd control and other non-screening duties. WCHS reported on the initial announcement in January 2019. The move sparked controversy, with concerns raised about the legal authority and appropriateness of using ICE agents in airport security roles.
Capito acknowledged that airport security falls under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security but stressed the importance of ensuring safety at West Virginia’s airports. Officials at West Virginia International Yeager Airport have indicated they do not anticipate any ICE involvement at their facility. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing security concerns with civil liberties and the demand for clear communication between federal agencies and local authorities.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Community Partnerships
Capito’s visit to Jackson County represents a proactive approach to addressing public safety concerns at the local level. By engaging directly with community leaders and law enforcement officials, he aims to foster collaboration and ensure that federal resources are effectively deployed to address the most pressing needs of the Southern District of West Virginia. The focus on fraud against the elderly and crimes against children reflects a commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society and upholding the rule of law. The U.S. Attorney’s office plans to continue these outreach efforts throughout the district in the coming months, building on existing partnerships and forging new alliances to enhance public safety and strengthen communities.
The next scheduled step involves a series of town hall meetings planned for later this spring, where Capito will provide updates on his office’s priorities and solicit feedback from residents. Further information about these meetings will be available on the Department of Justice website.
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