Fayette DA to take over task force
Fayette County District Attorney Nancy D. Vernon will soon take over the county’s Drug Task Force from Attorney General Mike Fisher. At a breakfast press conference Tuesday, Vernon said that she would be meeting with Fisher next week to get through the paperwork required to take over the task force, an endeavor in which she’s taken pride.
“I was very fortunate to be able to reinstate the task force,” said Vernon, who did so after she took office in 2000.
Vernon will also administer the money connected with the state program.
Although she said Fisher initially offered to let her run the task force, Vernon opted to have his office do so until she got firm footing on how things needed to be run.
She said that she’s been assisted “unselfishly” by deputy prosecutor Mark D. Brooks, whom she named as the coordinator of the task force.
“Mark is probably the most dedicated person I’ve met in my entire life,” said Vernon. “He fights drugs with a passion.”
Brooks, who worked with the task force under former district attorney and now judge Ralph C. Warman, gave a joking thanks to the drug dealers of the county.
“They bought us breakfast this morning,” he said amid laughter from the group of police and political officials assembled.
As the prosecutors who works the closest with the task force, Brooks lauded all the members, singling out the undercover members who risk their lives daily by buying directly from dealers to bolster cases.
“As a parent and a citizen of Fayette County, sometimes it’s personal,” said Brooks. “I truly do want to make this a better county for your kids.”
Since he’s been to the homes of drug dealers, Brooks said he’s seen the effects it has on their families. The children of drug dealers often suffer in poverty, sleeping on the floor, while their dealing parents are swathed in gold, said Brooks.
Vernon said Brooks is on call at any time for any member of law enforcement who needs his expertise in drug matters.
She also announced a drug hotline, which Vernon said would ring straight to her office, although no one will answer.
The number, 1-800-906-5339, rings to a recorded message that will accept tips from the public. Vernon said a person will not answer the phone so as not to intimidate any potential tipsters.
“Help us help you to fight drug activity in Fayette County,” said Vernon, urging people to call.