Prosecutors spar on Facebook over Moriartys new traffic policy

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and Anoka County Attorney Brad Johnson engaged in a public dispute over a controversial new policy that limits felony charges from low-level traffic stops. Johnson criticized Moriarty's approach, invoking the case of Timothy McVeigh, who was apprehended after the Oklahoma City bombing, to argue for the importance of prosecuting traffic violations. He stated that Anoka County would continue to uphold the law regardless of Hennepin's decisions. Moriarty defended her policy by emphasizing that it includes exceptions for public safety and is based on data showing low prosecution rates from traffic stops. The new guidelines, to take effect on October 15, exempt several infractions such as broken lights and expired tabs from prosecution if they are the only reason for a stop.

Data from both attorneys' offices indicated that only half of 1 percent of traffic stops lead to meaningful prosecutions, yet they drew different conclusions from this statistic. The Facebook exchange allowed for significant public engagement, with many constituents supporting Johnson while some defended Moriarty's data-driven approach. Moriarty remains committed to her reform platform, despite facing criticism and announcing she will not seek re-election.