Feds handling the Cooper case

To the editor:I am flattered by the Speak Out caller who seems to believe I would do a better job of prosecuting Nathan Cooper than the federal prosecutors.

Actually, this case has been handled completely by federal authorities from the get-go. The local police, sheriff's department and prosecutor were not involved.

James E. Crowe Jr. is the prosecutor handling the case. He is seeking a prison sentence for Cooper. He is an experienced prosecutor who has been trying criminal cases for a long time. I have complete confidence in his ability to make sure justice is done. If he needs my help, he knows where to find me. I will do anything the feds might need me to do to make sure the punishment fits the crime.

Meanwhile, I would point out that it can be funny to watch politicians criticizing each other once political blood starts flowing, because today's shrill voice calling for vigorous criminal prosecution so often becomes tomorrow's criminal defendant.

No intelligent person reading the Southeast Missourian could have any question but that Nathan Cooper is a criminal caught red-handed by the feds and will be severely punished. It does not appear that the federal prosecutors need my help, but they always know they will get it if they need it.

MORLEY SWINGLE, Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney, Jackson