Cape man begins work as assistant prosecutor

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Criminals who use firearms in Mississippi County won't get a break: there's a new community gun violence prosecutor on the job.

Neal Frazier of Cape Girardeau began work Thursday as Mississippi County's community gun violence prosecutor, replacing Gregory Spencer, whose last day was Wednesday. Spencer, who announced his resignation in July, said he was moving to be closer to his family.

The position was created as part of President Bush's initiative to reduce gun crime nationwide, Project Safe Neighborhoods, with the goal of discouraging firearm-related violence with swift criminal prosecution. By providing U.S. Department of Justice grants to hire additional prosecutors -- particularly for counties in need -- the program aims to increase prosecution of these types of crimes.

A 1999 graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Frazier has a background in the practice of criminal law having most recently been employed by the Missouri State Public Defenders office in Jackson from May 2000 until Aug. 4.

Already on Frazier's plate as community gun violence prosecutor are at least two murders and five other shootings currently pending.

"I am excited about the opportunity to serve as Mississippi County's assistant prosecutor. I know that this county has seen a disturbing series of shootings this year and that it is vital that we stop this cycle of escalating retaliation before it spirals even further out of control," Frazier said. "With the hard work of our law enforcement officers and the cooperation of the good people of Mississippi County, I am confident that we can get the guns off the streets and make Mississippi County a better place to live, work and raise our families.

In crimes involving the use of a firearm, defendants can face additional charges such as armed criminal action which can add three years to life in prison to the sentence. Officials estimate about a quarter of violent assaults involve the use of a firearm.

Frazier will also be assisting Raffety with other cases when not handling firearm-related crimes.

Anyone with questions or who would like additional information about Missouri firearms laws are encouraged to contact their local prosecuting attorney's office.