Members of the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (MAPA) testified today in Jefferson City regarding concerns over the sentencing recommendations from the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission. (MoSAC). MAPA is calling for a study to determine smart sentencing practices instead of the inappropriate one-size-fits-all sentencing recommendations of the MoSAC. Additionally representatives from MAPA plan on testifying about the misleading way recidivism data is being shared as well as the lenient sentence recommendations being made by the MoSAC on violent crimes and sex crimes.

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For more information about MAPA please visit their website: http://mops.mo.gov/mapa.htm

For more information about the MoSAC please visit: http://www.mosac.mo.gov

Christian County Prosecuting Attorney, Amy J. Fite announces today that the Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has joined the Tri-Lakes Regional Internet Crimes Task Force. The Tri-Lakes Regional Internet Crimes Task Force is a regional task force made of up law enforcement agencies in Taney, Christian, and Stone Counties that provides the expertise necessary to successfully gather computer based evidence in cases involving online enticement of children, child pornography, cyber bullying, fraud, identity theft and other crimes facilitated through the use of computers or the Internet.

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Christian County Prosecuting Attorney, Amy J. Fite is very proud to announce that Christopher W. Lebeck, a 1st Assistant in the Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (CCPA) has recently qualified for certification with the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists as a Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE). Mr. Lebeck who recently joined the CCPA last month began his training while he was with the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office through the Tri-Lakes Internet Crimes Task Force. This certification process involved two-weeks of intensive training, a three month peer review cycle, and a three month formal examination process. With this qualification, Mr. Lebeck could be called to conduct forensic examination of computers for other jurisdictions. These skills will add to his ability to successfully prosecute computer related sex crimes.

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Christian County Prosecuting Attorney, Amy J. Fite is pleased to announce that the office has joined the Missouri Victim Assistance Network (MOVA). The mission statement of MOVA says the organization is to expand the horizons of victim advocacy, encompassing the concept of fair treatment for all crime victims and emphasizing human worth and dignity.

The Missouri Victim Assistance Network was conceived in 1983 when the National Organization for Victim Assistance encouraged the state of Missouri to develop a statewide coalition of victim service providers. In 1984, the Governor’s Crime Commission and the State Department of Public Safety sponsored the first annual Victim Seminar in Missouri. Participants at that conference organized a planning committee to lay the groundwork for MOVA.

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On Wednesday, February 9, 2011, in Jefferson City, Chief Justice of Missouri’s Supreme Court, William Ray Price, delivered to Missouri legislators his annual State of the Judiciary Address.  One of the main criticisms of Chief Justice Price is that Missouri over-incarcerates non-violent offenders. In response to this address, fellow 38th Circuit Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey M. Merrell prepared an editorial response citing reasons why is incarceration is important for all “nonviolent” offenses including felony driving while intoxicated, weapons charges, possession of child pornography, aggravated stalking, burglary in the first degree, promoting prostitution in the first degree, and resisting arrest resulting in a risk of death. “This response was born out of concern that the general public could easily be misled by Judge Price’s comments relating to non-violent offenders, and the incarceration of such offenders in Missouri prisons,” stated Jeffrey M. Merrell.

To view the response by fellow 38th Circuit Prosecuting Attorney, Jeffrey M. Merell:

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To view the state of the judiciary address:

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