By Dan Horn
The Cincinnati Enquirer

A federal grand jury took no action against a West End street gang this week, despite Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken's demand for a quick resolution.

Luken sent a letter to U.S. Attorney Gregory Lockhart last week urging federal prosecutors to pick up the pace of their investigation into the Tot Lot Posse, a gang authorities have linked to violence and drugs.

Luken complained that gang members remained a threat to the community because prosecutors had not yet taken their case to the grand jury.

But after learning that the case had not been presented at the grand jury's Wednesday meeting, Luken took a more conciliatory tone. The mayor said he was confident the case now is moving at a quicker pace.

"I've been in touch with the U.S. Attorney's Office and they have gotten the message," Luken said. "They are now working expeditiously to get this done."

Lockhart would not confirm his office is investigating members of the Tot Lot Posse, but he said he appreciates the concerns of the mayor and the community.

He also said evidence and federal law dictate the pace of federal investigations, no matter how much urgency local authorities may place on them. He said cases go to grand juries only when they're ready.

"We have an obligation, if we do charge someone, to do it right," Lockhart said. "Sometimes it's like baking a cake. You can't take it out of the oven too soon."

Luken and police officials say the investigation into Tot Lot members has been going on for about a year.

The mayor said he wrote his letter because police and residents were tired of waiting for action. "My only point was to get (federal authorities) moving," Luken said. "And they are moving."

Lockhart said that if local authorities have evidence of violent crimes, federal prosecutors will not stand in the way of arrests.

"I can't recall a time when we've asked somebody to not arrest someone who commits a violent crime," Lockhart said. "If somebody commits a crime in Cincinnati, lock them up. It's not going to hurt our case."