North Dakota AG Wrigley blames early release and drug trafficking for sharp increase in violent crimes in 2022

(Fargo, ND) -- State Attorney General Drew Wrigley is pointing to factors he says contributed to a sharp rise in violent crime in North Dakota in 2022.

"A lot of it is being driven by the drug trafficking trade. A lot of it is being driven by that, and a lot of it I believe is being driven by, we're letting violent criminals out of prison too quickly. We're letting them out early on parole. They're going out and they're recidivating. They're committing those offenses again. I don't think we're getting long enough sentences when it comes to violent criminals," said Wrigley.   

From 2021 to 2022, Wrigley says murder went up 76 percent, negligent manslaughter increased 36 percent, kidnapping increased by 30 percent, and the number of rapes went up 11 percent. 

Wrigley appeared on "What's on Your Mind" on AM 1100 The Flag.