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Press Release

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole DuPré Honored as 2023 AUSA of the Year by Homeland Security Investigations

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of North Carolina
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole DuPré and U.S. Attorney Sandra Hairston

GREENSBORO – Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Nicole DuPré of the Middle District of North Carolina has been honored as the 2023 Assistant United States Attorney of the Year for the state of North Carolina by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston.

Each year, the HSI Charlotte regional office recognizes the outstanding work and partnerships of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors from North Carolina and South Carolina.

AUSA DuPré received the award in recognition of her work on the investigation and prosecution of Chester Fletcher Wallace.  On July 14, 2023, after a four-day trial, Wallace was convicted of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion, and five counts of using force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion to cause five victims to engage in commercial sex acts. Wallace was sentenced in November 2023 to six concurrent life terms of imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $914,401.07.

“AUSA DuPré, co-counsel Tanner Kroeger (currently a trial attorney with the National Security Division of the Department of Justice), and the agents investigating this case worked tirelessly to ensure that the victims received justice,” said U. S. Attorney Hairston. “This award is extremely well-deserved and recognizes AUSA DuPré’s commitment to fighting human trafficking. This heinous crime targets the most vulnerable in our society, and our office will continue to fight against individuals who exploit others for profit.”

Each year, the Department of Justice recognizes National Human Trafficking Awareness month in January, to better educate the public about the signs of human trafficking and bring awareness to the victims. For more information about the signs of human trafficking or to get help for you or someone you know who may be a victim of human trafficking, visit https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/about-blue-campaign.

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Updated January 19, 2024