Weber County attorney to target gangs

OGDEN — The newly appointed Weber County attorney wants to level charges against gang leaders, whom he blames for some of the violent crimes plaguing the area.

In an interview with the Deseret News on Wednesday, Dee Smith unveiled what he'd like to focus on as he soon takes over the prosecutor's office, replacing Mark DeCaria, who was tapped to be a judge in Ogden's 2nd District Court.

"One, we're going to go continue to prosecute violent crime and repeat offenders very aggressively," he said. "No. 2, when it comes to the drug community within the county, I'd like to be able to extend the drug courts. I'm a believer in the drug court system."

Smith, who is in the process of closing down his portion of the law firm he works at, is also a public defender in Davis County and has worked extensively in the drug court system that allows defendants charged with low-level drug crimes to receive therapy and rehabilitation in lieu of jail time.

"It's a lot less expensive to get individuals into treatment than just incarcerate offenders," he said.

When it comes to gangs, Smith said he plans to be aggressive about violent crimes.

"I think one thing that you have to do is target and be aware of those who are for lack of a better word, leaders in the gang community," he said. "You have to be able to identify those and know who they are and have charges against them and seek the appropriate convictions and sentences to get them out of the community."

Smith said he doesn't plan to offer "unnecessary breaks" to gang members who often strike plea deals, but acknowledges the reality of the court system. He also wants to meet with community leaders to push for more programs and resources to keep youngsters from getting involved in gangs in the first place.

"It's got to be a two-fold approach, going after the people that recruit younger kids to be gang members — those are the people we need to take out of the community, and programs to steer kids away," he said.

Ogden Police Lt. Scott Conley, who was recently appointed to head up the police department's gang unit, agreed.

"I want to identify individuals out there violating the law in the gang lifestyle and go after them for prosecution," he said. "I want to be proactive instead of reactive."

While Smith's appointment is only until 2010, he had to commit to the Weber County Democratic Party that he would seek re-election.

"I was born and raised in Weber County. I have a strong love for this community," he said. "I'm excited to be able to serve the citizens in this county."

E-MAIL: bwinslow@desnews.com