Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Koliner Receives Prestigious National Award

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Kevin Koliner, an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Appellate Chief for the District of South Dakota, has received the Top Prosecutor Award by Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) for his work in Human Trafficking.  Koliner received the national award at the WIFLE Foundation’s Fifteenth Annual Leadership Training August 25-27, 2014, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington D.C.  WIFLE is a not for profit organization working to promote the value that women bring to law enforcement.

The Top Prosecutor Award recognizes one career federal prosecutor for exemplary achievements in prosecutions of federal crimes involving trafficking of women or children, trafficking of human beings for forced labor, commission of crimes of violence against women or a minority group, a civil rights violation, any terrorist-related violation against the United States, or commission of any corporate or government fraud.  Koliner was specifically commended for his prosecution of human trafficking cases.  He is the first male to receive the award.

“Kevin Koliner is among the most tenacious federal prosecutors when seeking justice for victims of human trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Johnson. “Kevin has been a devoted, passionate, and successful leader on these cases, and it is very fitting that WIFLE has honored him with their top prosecutor award,” added Johnson.

Over the past several years, Koliner has successfully prosecuted five separate sex trafficking cases that each involved defendants preying on multiple girls and young women. Three of those men—Brandon Thompson, Carl Campbell, and Mohammed Alaboudi—received life sentences.  Two others, Emmanuel Nyuon and Tajahn Clinton, were sentenced to 30 years and 33 ½ years respectively.  The cases have involved defendants using manipulation, violent force, and coercion to lure and keep victims.  Many of the victims have been minors, addicted to drugs, homeless, or mentally deficient.

“I’m most proud that South Dakota has become a leader nationwide, and this award acknowledges that.  Our example is all about local, state, and federal law enforcement working collaboratively and prioritizing these cases,” Koliner said.  “I’m very humbled and honored to receive this award, but these cases are a team effort, and I’m just one member of the team.”

Koliner frequently provides human trafficking training to groups and organizations throughout the country.  Koliner is originally from Yankton and has been with the U.S. Attorney’s Office since 2006.