Gun crime initiative in Flint

DETROIT (AP) - Felons caught illegally with guns in Flint could face stiff federal penalties under an initiative between local officials and federal prosecutors.

The initiative was announced Thursday by U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade and follows Gov. Rick Snyder's appropriations bill signing that includes $1 million for a pilot public safety initiative in the city.

Gun violence has been a problem in Flint this year and some fear the city could surpass last year's record of 65 homicides. So far this year, 32 homicides have been committed.

The city also is struggling economically and has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state at more than 20 percent, Mayor Dayne Walling said.

"The city of Flint welcomes the support from the state and federal partners," Walling told The Associated Press Thursday. "These are both announced as long-term commitments, not a 72-hour sweep and leave.

"The entire criminal justice system will have to be a strength in our city and county in order to break this cycle of violent crime."

Felons convicted on gun charges in Genesee often are sentenced to only probation under state law, he added.

"With federal charges they'll likely do four or more years and most likely in a prison out of state," Walling said.

The $1 million in state money approved and signed by Snyder Wednesday as part of a supplemental appropriations bill will be used to house up to 200 Genesee jail prisoners in other counties to free up local space as more arrests are made in Flint.

"Flint's been going through a tough time for a long time," Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said. "Crime is caused by a myriad of social issues, economic issues, dysfunctional family issues. Flint is the epicenter of the economic devastation that has occurred in urban areas, especially in the Rust Belt. When you put all of that together, you have this spike in crime and violence."

Flint, the birthplace of General Motors Co., is about 50 miles northwest of Detroit. Like other cities dependent upon the auto and manufacturing industries, Flint has lost thousands jobs as those sectors have struggled in recent years.

This month, Leyton charged four adults and one juvenile in a string of arsons plaguing Flint. In June, 62 people were arrested in two-day fugitive sweep by officers from eight local, state and federal agencies.

"It's sad that the homicide rate and all the violence get so much attention because there are so many amazing things happening in Flint," said Amy Krug, executive director of Priority Children, a nonprofit group that works with local organizations on child advocacy efforts in Genesee County.

"Unfortunately, families are also touched by the violence that happens," Krug said. "When it's in the community and so much of what you hear, it definitely impacts the way children view the world. If we grow up thinking the world is a safe place and good, it sets us on a good course for life. People respond to what they're given. If you give off negative, angry vibes, you're probably going to get it back."