Department of Justice partnering with Greene County to combat domestic gun violence

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri has announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will give additional resources to Greene County to help combat domestic gun violence.

A press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office says the DOJ will partner with Greene County to create a plan to reduce domestic gun violence and prioritize prosecuting domestic violence offenders.

In Greene County, two assistant prosecutors will be cross-designated as special assistant U.S. attorneys to prosecute firearms cases in federal court.

“I am excited to have the United States Attorney’s Office partner with our Domestic Violence Unit, the Springfield Police Department, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, and the Greene County Family Justice Center in the fight to reduce domestic violence in our community,” said Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson in the release. “Enforcing existing federal gun laws to prosecute domestic violence offenders will help ensure that those who threaten the safety of their family and household members and our community are held accountable, preventing future harm, and protecting survivors from escalating violence.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.