Minneapolis Prosecutor Spent Over $500,000 on Security Amid Crime Concerns

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, 62, has utilized private security services funded by taxpayers, totaling over $500,000 since November 2023, according to financial records obtained by Alpha News. The spending has drawn criticism from some who argue it contrasts with Moriarty's public statements on crime in Minneapolis.

The county has paid the private firm Relative Intel approximately $10,950 in 2023, $103,825 in 2024, and $183,875 in 2025 for security services. Further supplier payment records extending through August 28, 2026, reportedly show a total of $513,223 paid to the firm. Hennepin County confirmed the agreement with Relative Intel, LLC, stating the services are utilized by the County Attorney.

Moriarty has been vocal in asserting that Minneapolis is a safe city and has pushed back against claims of rising crime, including those made by former President Donald Trump regarding Somali gangs. This stance has been met with skepticism by some constituents and legal observers.

Attorney Chris Madel has characterized Moriarty's security spending as hypocritical, stating, "Mary Moriarty spends her time telling Minneapolis residents not to worry about crime while spending $513,000 to make sure she doesn't have to worry about it herself." He added that it appears "crime is only a crisis" when Moriarty personally faces it.

Moriarty's tenure has also been marked by controversy over her prosecutorial decisions. In one notable case, her office declined to file charges against Carlton Johnson II in June 2026. Johnson allegedly threatened and assaulted a neighbor in June. Three months later, he carried out a mass shooting at his apartment complex, killing two neighbors and injuring five others. Johnson was killed by police at the scene. Court documents indicated Johnson was facing eviction and had a history of threats, including a restraining order filed by a former partner. Moriarty's office cited insufficient evidence to prove charges beyond a reasonable doubt for the earlier incident involving Johnson.

Earlier in her term, Moriarty was reportedly probed by federal officials after allegedly instructing assistant prosecutors to consider race when offering plea deals. She also faced backlash for negotiating a lenient sentence for a convicted murderer and for pursuing charges against police officers while offering a less severe penalty to a progressive public official who vandalized vehicles in protest of the 2024 election results. In an effort to manage public perception, Moriarty's office reportedly spent an additional $150,000 on public relations.

Moriarty, who began her term in January 2023, announced in August 2025 that she would not seek re-election. Her term is scheduled to conclude on January 4, 2027.