United States Attorney’s Office Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               Contact ELIZABETH MORSE

www.justice.gov/usao/md                                        at (410) 209-4885      

Baltimore, Maryland - In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 8-14, 2018, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland held the 2^nd Annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Award Ceremony. United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur presented Victim Assistance awards to employees and members of local and Federal law enforcement.

Assistant United States Attorneys Ayn B. Ducao, Bryan E. Foreman, and Jefferson M. Gray were awarded the AUSA Victim Assistance Award that recognizes AUSAs who exhibited extraordinary effort in advocating for the rights of victims and demonstrate exceptional commitment to the pursuit of justice.

Asset Forfeiture Paralegal Specialist Naquita C. Ervin received the Support Staff Victim Assistance Award that recognizes a support staff member who goes above and beyond normal duty to assist victims.

Cpl. Joshua P. Mouton of the Howard Country Police Department was awarded the State Law Enforcement Victim Assistance Award that recognizes a member of state or local law enforcement who exhibited professionalism and superior service and sensitivity to victims.

Special Agent Keith A. Custer of the FBI, as well as two other Baltimore based Special Agents of the FBI, were awarded the Federal Law Enforcement Victim Assistance Award that recognizes a Special Agent, TFO, or other federal law enforcement officer who consistently displays superior investigative skills and sensitivity to the rights and needs of victims.

In addition to the presentation of awards, the ceremony included keynote speeches by individuals who have been victims of crime. “The stories we heard today from those who have been victims of crime are a reminder that statistics represent real crimes affecting real people and real families,” said U.S. Attorney Hur. “The United States Attorney’s Office recognizes the courage of these brave individuals, and is here to listen, support and empower them. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a time to celebrate progress, raise awareness of victims’ rights and services, and stand with those whose lives have been changed by the criminal acts they have endured.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office joins its federal, state, and local enforcement partners in taking this opportunity to highlight the importance of providing necessary services at the earliest possible stage of victimization and litigation. Early intervention helps prevent further victimization and encourages victim involvement in the criminal justice system, mitigating the cycle of violence and restoring hope for the future.

Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorney’s Offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf.

"In law enforcement, we are sworn to serve and protect," Attorney General Sessions said. "We carry out this oath every day by protecting the rights of law abiding people from criminals and by achieving justice for crime victims. This week, we remember the millions of Americans who have been victimized by criminals and we thank those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their service to those victims. As we do so, we recommit ourselves to fulfilling our oath and to reducing crime in America."

The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 13, 2018, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.

The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the-art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland Victim Witness Program at (410) 209-4800.