Hogan: Rutherford To Head Anti-Heroin Effort
![Larry Hogan](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141206161005im_/http://cbsbaltimore.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/pat-hogan.jpg?w=620&h=349&crop=1)
FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — Gov.-elect Larry Hogan says his lieutenant governor, Boyd Rutherford, will oversee the administration’s effort to reduce heroin-related crime across Maryland.
Hogan spoke to reporters Friday in Frederick at a swearing-in ceremony for Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, a fellow Republican.
Hogan says Jenkins was the first to make him aware of the depth of heroin- and gang-related crime in rural communities.
Hogan repeated his campaign promise to quickly declare a state of emergency after taking office next month to make Maryland eligible for more federal funding and support for anti-drug measures.
Hogan says his administration will convene a summit of state and national experts on law enforcement, treatment and first-responders to focus on the problem.
State officials say heroin-related deaths in Maryland spiked 88 percent from 2011 to 2013.
(Copyright 2014 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)