ND officials to attend oil patch crime summit

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Federal law enforcement officials are slated to meet this week with sheriffs and police chiefs from western North Dakota to develop a strategy against potential organized crime in the state's booming oil patch.

U.S. Attorney Tim Purdon and the FBI are hosting the three-day meeting that begins Tuesday in Denver.

Purdon says the goal is for law enforcement to be proactive in combating the possibility of organized crime, such as drugs and prostitution in oil country.

Purdon says about 20 local law enforcement officials are expected to attend. Oil company officials also have been invited.

Purdon says the summit is being held in Denver due to lack of meeting space in western North Dakota. He says several companies working in the oil patch also are based in Denver.

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