Hennepin County Boasts Highest Conviction Rate
KSTP investigated Minnesota’s justice system using data from the court system from 2006-2011 and found that the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has the highest conviction rate in the state - 94%. Additionally, Hennepin County has a higher caseload and more cases go to trial.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office aggressively prosecutes dangerous offenders by applying new statutes, cutting edge techniques and old-fashioned perseverance. Here are some notable convictions from the last 18 months:
Judge: Thank County Attorney for White Collar Prosecution
During a recent sentencing, Hennepin County District Court Judge William Howard credited County Attorney Mike Freeman for tackling white collar crime.
According to Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Tom Fabel, who handled the Johnson case, Judge Howard said:
“ ‘This is the only county in the state where this kind of crime gets prosecuted, it’s the only county that has dedicated people to prosecute white collar crime. You should write a letter to Mr. Freeman thanking him.’ ”
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has made a sustained commitment to prosecuting fraud and to combating new mortgage schemes. The Complex Crimes unit has charged 55 mortgage fraud cases, involving 72 persons and companies. The charges include racketeering, identity theft, theft by swindle, aggravated forgery and perjury. The cases involve more than 500 properties and over $125 million in fraudulent loans; these crimes affect communities all over the metro-area and across Hennepin County, although North Minneapolis was hit particularly hard.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is able to investigate and build cases against white collar criminals because the administration has made prosecuting these crimes a priority. Thus far, 40 individuals or companies have been convicted and several cases are still pending trial. Sentences range from 198 months to 20 months, with fraudsters receiving the heaviest sentences for racketeering. Victim and community impact statements have helped prosecutors argue for strong sentences.
Fraud is one of the drivers behind the foreclosures that have had such a negative impact on our neighborhoods. Foreclosures lead to abandoned homes and falling property values, as well as break-ins, metal stripping and arson. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively prosecute white collar criminals, seeking justice for the victims.
Leveraging Community Partners to Achieve Good Outcomes
Although crime was down overall in 2011, property crimes in Minneapolis increased. Looking for ways to address this problem, community groups, probation, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Hennepin County Attorney and the Minneapolis City Attorney decided to try the Court Watch model, which has been successful in decreasing livability crimes.
Court Watch is a collaborative where community members work with law enforcement to bring the community’s voice into the courtroom. One of the keys to a successful Court Watch is this community involvement, so an important first step was assessing neighborhood interest and finding citizens willing to serve as chairs. In 2011, Property Crimes Court Watches were formed in South Minneapolis and North Minneapolis, ably chaired by Marcy Tollefson and Roberta Englund, respectively.
Property Crimes Court Watches focus on burglaries of homes, garages and businesses, with the goal of ensuring the offenders receive appropriate sentences from the courts. Objective criteria identify the most troublesome property offenders. Using publically available information and input from community, police officers, prosecutors, and probation, Court Watch focuses on habitual burglars and other significant property offenders, tracking their progress through the criminal system. Community members who attend the meetings are prepared to submit impact statements that help inform and inform the court about the true costs of property crimes.
These Court Watches have achieved success in the courtroom. Community members have written impact statements and attended hearings, demonstrating the impact of these crimes. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has been able to prosecute a number of problem burglars and, with the support of community, successfully argue for appropriate sentences. An appropriate outcome will vary based on the offender’s history and the specific offense, but they may include geographic restrictions, mental health and/or chemical dependency treatment, incarceration time, and restitution.
When community speaks out about the true costs of property crimes, it sends a clear message to the court that these are serious offenses and that people are paying attention.
Upcoming Court Watch Meetings:
4th Precinct Property Crimes Court Watch
Tuesday, March 13th
6:30 – 8:00 pm
North Regional Library
3rd Precinct Property Crimes Court Watch
Monday, March 12th
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Holy Cross Lutheran Church - 1720 E Minnehaha Parkway
Protecting the Greenway
A January decision by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission ordering Xcel Energy to bury a proposed 115-kilovolt transmission line, rather than run it overhead along the Midtown Greenway, was a victory for Minneapolis residents, businesses and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
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