U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town Sends Letter to Law Enforcement Partners

Birmingham, Ala. — U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town sent a letter to law enforcement partners in Northern Alabama today, encouraging continued partnerships in preventing a public health crisis from becoming a public safety crisis.

“While this pandemic has brought to the fore the very best among us, we are unfortunately becoming increasingly aware of myriad coronavirus-related criminal activities in our District and around the country,” Town said.  “The COVID-19 pandemic has created many legal challenges for every member and layer of law enforcement. I am proud of the partnerships that we have forged and it is precisely those relationships that will provide the citizens of Alabama the best ability to avoid becoming victims of coronavirus-related frauds and crimes. Together we will resolve to prevent a public health crisis from becoming a public safety crisis.”

The letter was sent to law enforcement in Northern Alabama, as part of a coordinated, nationwide effort to combat COVID-19 related fraud.  On March 20, Attorney General William Barr directed all 93 U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of COVID-19 fraud.

U.S. Attorney Town encourages the public to report COVID-19 related fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at 1-866-720-5721or to the email address disaster@leo.gov. 

Read U.S. Attorney Town’s letter to law enforcement partners below.