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Task Force Focuses On Guns And Domestic Violence Convictions

Columbus and Federal prosecutors say they are launching a new effort to keep guns out of the hands of people convicted of domestic violence. 

Those people are barred under local and U.S. law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein says the effort announced on Tuesday involves local and federal prosecutors and a task force of local and federal agencies. He says it will help push some local cases to the federal level with its tougher penalties.

"It fills in a gap between federal law and state law.  And even with this partnership and helping identify the 'worst-of-the-worst' offenders with the U.S. Attorney's Office, we will continue to vigorously prosecute, in my office, those who are in violation of the weapons under diabilities ordinance."

Local law includes a minimum six months in jail. Federal law carries a maximum of ten years. 
 

Jim has been with WCBE since 1996. Before that he worked as a reporter at another Columbus radio station, and for three newspapers in Southwest Florida.