DA, residents discuss heroin crisis

July 30--Residents concerned about heroin abuse met Tuesday with Erie County District Attorney Jack Daneri to urge stiff prosecution of drug dealers, especially those whose drug deliveries result in death.

The group of four delivered a petition signed by more than 1,000 people that urged aggressive enforcement.

Daneri called the meeting positive. "It is encouraging to know there are citizens out there ... who are looking for solutions as much as we are," he said.

Daneri said there seems to "be a level of frustration out there among some people that don't think law enforcement or our office is addressing the issue," he said. "That is simply not true."

Daneri discussed the work of Erie County'sHeroin Overdose Community Awareness Task Force. Erie County Detective Sgt. Matthew Benacci, head of the Erie County Drug Task Force, was also on hand to explain efforts that have targeted local dealers, as well as those from Detroit, Daneri said.

Dave Wilson, author of the petition, said the group expressed "frustration full circle," from insurance to treatment and neighborhood watch.

He said the group questioned whether the county's drug crime resources are being "focused appropriately."

The conversation also addressed the law that makes drug delivery resulting in death a crime. Daneri, highlighting problems with the law, said such prosecutions rarely succeed. Wilson said the group wants to know why Daneri's office does not treat every overdose death as a crime.

"Questions that still remain are why is his office not charging any of these smaller people with lesser crimes to set the example (or) tone that they are taking this epidemic head-on," he said.

"More resources are required, but progress is being made," Wilson said.

LISA THOMPSON can be reached at 870-1802 or by e-mail. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/ETNthompson.

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