Multiple Agency Roundup Nets 80 Accused Criminals

 
  An ongoing investigation takes dozens of accused criminals off the streets. In Hamilton County, 22 of the federal defendants had a total of 99 prior felony convictions among them. Law enforcement nabbed 52 federal and 50 state defendants.
   Dep. Chief Mark Rawlston, "Not all of them are gang members, but validated gang members who were arrested through this operation represent the Rolling 30's Crips, Dorris Street Blood's, Rolling 20's Bloods, Crips, Aryan Nation." And the list continues. Police say they're confident the arrests will put a dent in local activity by weakening the organizations.
   Sgt. Todd Royval, "Another way it will help is maybe the kids that were borderline becoming a criminal or selling drugs, they're going to see that their cousin or friend is being put away in prison for a really long time."
   Chattanooga Police Chief Freeman Cooper says focusing on key criminal players is sometimes necessary.
   Chief Cooper, "People hate to hear the fact that we target individuals but that is the only way we can make a difference in some of the issues of violent crime in our area."
   Law enforcement and prosecutors say building a strong case helps them put gang members away for good.
   Hamilton County District Attorney Bill Cox, "During the last year, juries have convicted 6 gang members, as a result of the good work done by the investigators."
   While this is a continuous effort, law enforcement officers hope this will slow down the revolving door for some of these accused criminals.