New multi-agency strategy leads to 21 arrests in northeast North Carolina for violent crimes [Video]

EDENTON, N.C. (WAVY) — A new approach to tackling violent crime has led to the indictment of 21 people accused of “contributing significantly” to offenses in northeast North Carolina.

At least five them are known gang members.

U.S. Attorney Michael Easley made the announcement with with a show of force standing with him Tuesday inside Edenton council chambers.

The recently launched Violent Crime Action Plan is a collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, sheriffs of at least eight counties surrounding the Albemarle Sound, city and town police chiefs and other state and federal law enforcement agencies.

The initiative is meant to crack down on those who are contributing to a majority of the crimes in the region by better sharing investigative information between agencies.

Since the plan’s launch in January, Easley said not only have they made arrests, they have also secured five guilty pleas.

“When the team got together, they …