PRESS RELEASE-
Wednesday, Rep. Tom Reed announced plans to reintroduce the Help Ensure Lives are Protected (HELP) Act, a bill that would allow federal prosecutors access to more severe penalties, including life in prison or the death penalty, when prosecuting certain criminal drug cases following the arrest of Buffalo man with thousands of lethal doses of fentanyl.
“The opioid epidemic is destroying our communities and devastating the young people we care about,” said Tom. “Victims and their families deserve justice and fair treatment, and our law enforcement community deserves our full support as they stand on the front lines in dealing with this crisis. This legislation will empower our law enforcement officials to hold drug dealers responsible for their destructive actions.”
The HELP Act would allow federal prosecutors access to more severe penalties, including life in prison or the death penalty, when prosecuting certain criminal drug cases. The penalties would apply in the event prosecutors connect an overdose death to the drug dealer that sold heroin laced with fentanyl.
The HELP Act has been met with broad support from law enforcement and community officials:
“Communities throughout our region are suffering from the effects of opioid abuse. I will stand with Congressman Reed to support of our local Law Enforcement officials. This legislation will empower them to hold drug dealers responsible for their actions. Too many are dying and it’s time we stand up and bring awareness to the heroin problem we are facing,” Assemblyman Phil Palmesano added.
“The opioid epidemic has had an incredible impact on our community, and fighting this problem has to be a priority in order to save lives. Any law enforcement assistance or additional community resources are greatly appreciated by the Elmira Police Department and the Elmira community,” said Joseph Kane, Chief of Police for the Elmira Police Department.
“I recognize and thank Congressman Reed for his steadfast support of opioid related legislation as heroin use is truly an epidemic in the USA. Increasingly, we are seeing it cut with fentanyl for added potency or straight fentanyl being sold for heroin, and it is becoming the tragic killing substance of so many that are addicted. His support for law enforcement officers with the HELP Act increases the morale of these fine men and women on the front lines of peace keeping,” added Sheriff Ron Spike of Yates County.
“I am proud to stand in support of Congressman Reed’s legislative efforts to hold drug dealers accountable. The heroin problem is deeply impacting the communities across Cattaraugus County. I see the impact every day. The HELP Act is another weapon in fighting this ongoing battle,” said Lori Rieman, Cattaraugus County District Attorney.
“All western New York communities are being overrun with heroin and the effects of opioid addiction. From increased crime to overwhelming our limited emergency services resources, this nightmare has plagued us too long. Now Fentanyl laced heroin and pure Fentanyl is causing more overdoses and many deaths. It is very often fatal, and the dealers know it, it is equally befitting that the ultimate punishment be brought to bear on them. I fully support Tom Reed's legislation as a part of the solution to the opioid problem,” said Allegany County District Attorney Keith Slep.
“I support any increase in penalties for those peddling the poison that is killing so many. I appreciate that Congressman Reed is reintroducing this legislation in DC,” stated Patrick Swanson, Chautauqua County District Attorney.
