SUNDAY MORNING WITH - Michael Guest, district attorney, Madison
and Rankin counties, 40, Brandon

The Clarion Ledger - by SID SALTER • FEBRUARY 14, 2010

What is the single greatest crime threat in Madison and Rankin counties?

The use and distribution of illegal drugs is the greatest threat to our communities. The possession and distribution of drugs fuel a cycle of crime that often leads to the commission of more severe
criminal acts. We cannot tolerate those individuals who sell drugs and we have worked with our local law enforcement agencies to remove drug dealers from our streets. In addition to the drug issue, our counties are faced with crime moving from Jackson to Madison and Rankin counties. We see this on a daily basis. To stop this flow of crime we will continue to work with law enforcement in Hinds, Rankin, and Madison counties to see that these criminals are apprehended and that strong sentences are handed down.

Are too many criminal cases plea-bargained?

Each case has different circumstances and must stand on its own merits. As prosecutors, we must evaluate the evidence, or the lack thereof; on a case by case basis. We evaluate the testimony, physical evidence, forensic evidence, as well as the nature of the offense and the criminal history of the defendant. We make plea decisions only when we believe it is in the best interest for the people of Madison and Rankin counties. We have been successful in obtaining pleas of guilty that have resulted in some very lengthy sentences. For example, we have previously had defendants who have entered pleas of guilty that have been sentenced to serve life in the state penitentiary.

What attracted you to the job of District Attorney?

I have always wanted to serve in a law enforcement capacity, and I began working as a prosecutor the day that I graduated from law school. I have been elected to a job that brings me great joy and personal satisfaction in helping those who have been victimized by crime. I ran for district attorney because I wanted Rankin and Madison counties to remain safe places in which to live, worship, work and raise a family. As our counties continue to grow, I knew that crime would increase, and I wanted to work with law enforcement to keep our counties safe.

How is the current state budget crisis impacting your ability to do your job?

There has been some talk about having to furlough some attorneys and investigators. If that occurs, it will have a tremendous impact on our ability to remove criminals from our streets. I believe that public safety should be a top priority for our state government. I am hopeful that our legislators will be able to restore the budget cuts to the district attorneys throughout the state. I do not believe that anyone wishes to send a message that we are unable to fund the criminal justice system.

Tell us about your childhood and your path to the district attorney's office.

I have been blessed by God throughout my entire life. I was raised by two of the best parents in the world. They raised me in a Christian home and taught me the value of a strong work ethic and that morals really do count in every aspect of life. I grew up in Brandon and graduated from the public school system. I received my undergraduate degree from Mississippi State University and my law degree from Ole Miss. After graduation, I married mywonderful wife and God has given us two children.

In my professional career, prior to being elected district attorney, I spent 12 years as an assistant district attorney prosecuting hundreds of cases and I was able to obtain guilty verdicts against criminals charged with murder, manslaughter, sexual battery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, robbery and other serious offenses. The experience I gained as an assistant district attorney, as well as the great staff I have been able to assemble, have been invaluable to our ability to serve the people of Madison and Rankin counties.

Are drug courts a good idea, or should drug offenders stay in the current judicial system?

I believe that drug courts can be a valuable tool to the criminal justice system if candidates for this program are properly selected. I believe that drug courts can offer a pathway for drug users to break the cycle of addiction and to become productive members of society. I do not believe that drug courts should be used for individuals who deal drugs, break into our homes or commit other more serious crimes. I believe that in these cases we send the wrong message to criminals if they are allowed to avoid prosecution by entering an alternative to the criminal justice system.

Why do death penalty cases move so slowly through the court system?

Death penalty cases are often much more complex than any other cases we prosecute, and they are also subject to a higher degree of review by the courts. This often results in a delay in bringing capital cases to trial. After conviction, if death is imposed, these cases are awarded a number of avenues for appeal. The death penalty appeals process is very lengthy, but those who receive the death penalty have rights that are protected by our judicial system.

What innovation have you brought to your job as DA?

When I first started my job, I wanted the people of Madison and Rankin counties to be aware of exactly what their district attorney's office was doing. We helped build an extensive website that has everything on it from the sex offender registry, our press releases, the DA's Most Wanted, and other helpful information about the district attorney's office. We have also been successful with our DA's Most Wanted program. ... I am proud that we have captured more than 50 percent of the suspects highlighted through this program. Readers can view the DA's Most Wanted at www. daguest.com.

What are you doing in terms of crime prevention rather than prosecution after the fact?

The most important thing the district attorney's office can do to help prevent crime is to impose strong sentences. I believe that those sentences will be a deterrent to future crimes in Rankin and Madison counties. We also work with our local enforcement officials to make sure that they have all the necessary resources ... to do their vitally important jobs. In addition, we have been working on and are about to launch our "Think Again Program." This program will focus on educating would-be criminals that a crime with a firearm could result in their being sentenced to jail for the remainder of their lives. We hope that this program will warn would-be criminals of the consequences of their crime and that they will "think again."

- The Clarion Ledger Perspective Editor Sid Salter