Pages

Friday, March 16, 2018

Allegany County: Drug arrests up - but assistant DA's will not attend court arraignments

This is from the draft minutes of the Allegany County Public Safety Committee meeting minutes. The meeting was held March 7th in Belmont: 
District Attorney Keith Slep attended the meeting and submitted his monthly report to the committee for review. Mr. Slep stated drug activity is the same with a slight uptick. Legislator Harris asked if there is a violent felony during afterhours and it’s definite that bail is going to be set, do they send an Assistant District Attorney to arraignment, and does he find it concerning that bail is set too low. Mr. Slep stated, no, he does not send someone out to arraignments. He has to be called for every felony and will then make a recommendation over the phone; however, it is up to the judge to set the bail. Legislator Harris then asked if Mr. Slep finds any benefit to having an Assistant District Attorney physically present at arraignment. Mr. Slep stated at this point in time, he does not see a benefit because it hasn’t been an issue, and they typically take his recommendation; however, if it does become a problem, they will begin sending someone. Committee Chairman Healy asked if Mr. Slep has anything to add to the unattended deaths. Mr. Slep stated the State Police as well as local police departments know to contact him, adding the main reason being so they can articulate why they don’t think it’s a suspicious death.