FBI dedicates resources to indigenous women, children in Indian Country
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 1 month AGO
More than 220 cases were handled in the FBI's recent "Operation Not Forgotten" for women and children who were crime victims in Indian Country.
“By expanding our presence in Indian Country and working closely with tribal law enforcement agencies and community advocates, the FBI aims to achieve meaningful and impactful progress in solving these cases and bringing justice for victims and their families and loved ones," said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate.
The emphasis dedicated over 40 FBI special agents, intelligence, analysts, staff operations specialists and victim specialists to 10 FBI field offices whose designated regions support women and children in indigenous communities.
As part of the initiative, the Salt Lake City FBI received six special agents and a staff operations specialist who spent 30 to 90 days on temporary assignment between July and September.
Resident agencies in Montana, Coeur d’Alene and Vernal, Utah, each received one special agent. Three special agents and the SOS were staffed in Billings, Mont.
Special Agent Shohini Sinha said the FBI recognizes that indigenous women and children are too often the victims of violent crime.
“This operation reaffirms our commitment to keeping our tribal communities safe and working closely with our tribal partners to hold perpetrators accountable," Sinha said. "Every victim matters, and every family deserves justice for criminal actions against their loved ones.”
ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT
Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.