Feds: "Anecdotal Evidence" Organized Crime Is Rising In Oil Patch

North Dakota's top federal prosecutor says there are indications that organized crime is on the rise across the oil patch.

 

 

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North Dakota's top federal prosecutor says there are indications that organized crime is on the rise across the oil patch.

In an exclusive interview with KFGO News, U.S. Attorney Tim Purdon says he is particularly concerned about drug dealers and human trafficking operations.

"The things that concern me are, are we seeing out-of-state organized criminal enterprises coming in to sell drugs, and are we seeing organized criminal enterprises engaged in human trafficking or prostitution," said Purdon. "Those are the areas that concern me as a federal law enforcement officer."

Purdon said that his office hears reports of that happening.

"We certainly hear anecdotal reports, a lot of anecdotal reports, about this. I also think that to think that this isn't happening probably ignores historical trends."

Purdon said additional FBI and ATF agents have been sent to the oil patch to offer assistance. He said the concern right now is that organized criminal enterprises will take advantage of the situation because local sheriffs and police departments are still in "reactive mode."

Purdon also said his office is trying to find a better way to track convicted sex offenders. His office is pursuing agreements with oil companies to share more information about their employees' backgrounds.

(KFGO file photo)

 

Jim Monk

   

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