Update from Sullivan County D.A. Jim Farrell

The Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office is a full service law firm run by District Attorney  Jim Farrell, with  7 assistant district attorneys serving under him.  Jim was good enough to drop by to give us some information about what has been happening in his office.

D.A. Farrell was happy to report that burglary is down dramatically in Sullivan County.  In 2012 there were  over 600 burglaries.  The current count is now just over 300 per year. 

Jim spoke favorably of the pPecious Gems and Metals Law, which requires  someone who attempts to pawn or sell a piece of jewelry to have it  photographed and data based by the establishment buying it.  The seller must also show ID.  That system has helped solve a lot of crimes.  It has not only improved law enforcement’s  ability to solve crimes, it has allowed for the return of valuable items to their rightful owners..

The Family Violence Response Team consists of a Social worker that partners with police to investigate child abuse, both physical and sexual.  The child only needs to tell the story a single time.   A doctor is also part of the team.  This helps build stronger cases that can hold those that do harm to our youth accountable.

Jim tells us that heroin is a major issue here in Sullivan County as it is in virtually all counties now.  In 2010 New York’s Special Prosecutor wanted to speak to Jim directly, because of the extremely high rate of prescription opiates in our county (Highest per capita in the state).  These potent opiates are masking symptoms rather than taking care of the health issue.   We were told of the three pronged approach to dealing with the deadly issue  of prescription and illegal opiates.

Three Pronged Approach:

Enforcement  - Wire taps…  Recently seized 4,000 packets of heroin in Sullivan County.  The largest bust ever made in county.

Education – Rural prescription task force.  Trying to educate people of all ages.  Teaching about the perils and pitfalls.

Rehabilitation – Through their drug court.

There has been a decrease in heroin / opiate deaths, perhaps due to the impact of Narcan.  Narcan is not a fix to addiction.  After receiving Narcan, there is no mandate for  treatment, so those that have been saved, may overdose at a future time.  Heroin addiction I a curable disease, so there is hope that those that are addicted will be cured.

Jim has been doing this job for 7 years.  He tells us he does not find joy in getting convictions, as families are destroyed and lives are shattered.   Rather, he would be happier if would be criminals could find a different path.

Thank you to Jim for taking the time to update us on the state of our county and for the good work you do to make Sullivan County safer and healthier.