CLEVELAND — Less than a month after the controversial "Operation Legend" made its way to Northeast Ohio, officials claim they are seeing increased success in combating crime.
In Cleveland alone, U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman says 32 people have been charged with federal crimes since the initiative began. Of those defendants, 22 are accused of drug trafficking, nine of various firearms offenses, and another of carjacking.
"In just a few short weeks, federal investigators working side-by-side with state and local law enforcement have begun to make significant progress towards reducing violence related to illegal firearms, drug trafficking and other crime in our neighborhoods," Herdman said at a Wednesday press conference with U.S. Attorney General William Barr and other members of the Department of Justice. "These early results show the potential that Operation Legend has to make our cities and communities a safer place for everyone to live."
Operation Legend drew mixed reactions when it was first announced, especially following reports of federal agents in unmarked cars arresting protesters in Portland, Oregon without cause. However, local and national officials alike have stressed this is much different, as agents are instead playing a behind-the-scenes role to combat violent crime in cities that need help.
"There are no federal troops coming to the city of Cleveland," Cleveland Police Chief Calvin D. Williams pledged last month, adding his department has already partnered with federal officers in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
The DOJ has also played an assist role in several cases with local jurisdiction, including homicides. Just this week, Cleveland police arrested a man accused of killing two people on Memorial Day after the FBI picked up the case, and a $25,000 reward had been offered for information.
Cleveland's homicide rate remains one of the highest in the nation, with Herdman saying the current numbers are on the rise from 2019. In addition, felonious assaults with guns were up 35% as of late July.
Watch what Herdman said last month: