Newburgh - Assemblyman Frank Skartados (D-Milton) recently sent a letter to FBI Director Robert Mueller asking for the Bureau’s assistance in investigating Newburgh’s recent spike in gang-related activity and youth violence.
"Over the past few years, Newburgh has been disproportionately affected by violence perpetrated mostly by gangs," Skartados said. "The FBI acknowledges that we now have one of the highest rates of youth gang violence in the country. They know of the problem we have here, now I’m hopeful they’ll come and help us."
Gang activity has played a substantial role in recent violent crimes, and Skartados feels the Bureau’s extensive expertise in fighting gang violence and its considerable resources could be critical in assisting local law enforcement in putting an end to the bloodshed in the area.
"Our local law enforcement agencies, the Newburgh Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s office, are doing great work," Skartados said. "The simple fact is that during these tough economic times we can’t provide them with all the resources they need. I think whatever the FBI could bring to the table to help our local police would go a long way."
In addition to fatal attacks, several non-fatal shootings and stabbings have occurred in Newburgh, Skartados said. These incidents have escalated so quickly, it was recently reported that President Obama has been briefed on the violent circumstances in Newburgh. Many of these crimes have been attributed to gangs.
"I’ve seen families and communities devastated by gun violence and gang activity," Skartados said. "We have kids hurting other kids over gang issues and it has to stop. We all need to work together to put an end to the violence."
Last year, Skartados secured more than $50,000 for the Newburgh Police Department to help fight crime in the city.
