Since 2005 Richard Minor has served St. Clair County as the district attorney (D.A.). Working to save money while keeping citizens countywide safe, Minor recently shared some incite into the progress being made.

Giving kudos to Judge Phil Seay for starting the drug court program (years ago), Minor says since its inception not one graduate from the program has been arrested again.

Looking at cost effective ways to operate, St. Clair County has implemented a pre-trial supervisor for those pending trial.

“If the bond is $5,000 or less, that person is authorized to sign their own bond,” said Minor. “During this supervision, that person will be drug tested and monitored.”

According to Minor, implementing this program has saved the county $1.2 million.

Speaking to the younger generation of St. Clair County, Minor addressed issues dealing with Facebook and cell phones.

“Nobody realizes the information you have on there,” Minor said. “You need to be careful.”

Letting students know that just because they intend to send a picture as a joke, the law may not interpret it that way.

“Sending certain pictures under the age of 18 is a criminal offense that can get you 10 to life,” Minor said. “Just because you think it’s deleted and you can’t see it doesn’t mean its not there.”

Stressing the importance of parents, grandparents and teachers talking with their children and students about these topics, Minor urged adults to let the younger crowd know the dangers associated with these technical outlets.

Encouraged by the continued progress the county is making, Minor concluded by saying, “I feel blessed to be the D.A.”