The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. Officials want to know if race plays a role in how prosecutors decide to charge people with crimes.
The investigation was announced this week. It will look at years of cases to see if people of color are treated unfairly.
Mary Moriarty, the current county attorney, said her office will cooperate fully. She took office in 2023 and has pushed for reforms, like fewer charges for low-level crimes and more help for young offenders.
“This is about fairness,” Moriarty said. “Everyone deserves to be treated the same, no matter their race.”
The DOJ says they have not made any conclusions yet. They will review records, talk to staff, and speak with community members.
Some people welcome the investigation. “It’s long overdue,” said one Minneapolis resident. “We’ve seen Black people get harsher charges than white people for the same things.”
Others worry it could lead to more tension between the public and law enforcement.
The Justice Department has also investigated other Minnesota agencies in the past, including the Minneapolis Police Department after George Floyd’s death.
This review could take many months. If problems are found, the DOJ could recommend changes or even take legal action.
