ASHEVILLE, N.C. – In a ceremony commemorating National Victims’ Rights week, U.S. Attorney Jill Westmoreland Rose recognized 12 individuals for their significant contributions in assisting victims of crime in Western North Carolina.
The event, sponsored by the Western North Carolina Victims’ Coalition in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, was held at the Asheville Campus of the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. The award honorees were selected for their efforts and contributions in assisting victims of crime, reflecting this year’s theme “Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope.”
Speaking at the event, U.S. Attorney Rose said, “We have gathered to remember, rebuild and restore. To remember loved ones lost to crime, to assist survivors rebuild their lives, and to restore the hope and trust of crime victims in their journey to healing and recovery.”
The 12 recipients selected received awards in five categories: Victim Advocacy Professional, Outstanding Law Enforcement Professional, Criminal Justice Professional, Compassionate Community Volunteer, and Unsung Heroes. The awardees included Christine Gibson, Meredith Hooks, Melissa Knight, Susie Presley, and Angelica Wind in the Victim Advocacy Professional category. Sargent Benjamin McKay, Detective Joshua Meindl, and Detective Matthew Orr were recognized in the Outstanding Law Enforcement Professional category. Rachael Groffsky, The Honorable James Calvin Hill, and Reid Taylor were honored in the Criminal Justice Professional category. Carolyn Lescallitt was recognized as a Compassionate Community Volunteer.
U.S. Attorney Rose thanked the honorees for their outstanding dedication, service, and support in working with crime victims and noted the important role each honoree has played in raising awareness and providing victims of crime with the support and resources they need in the aftermath of crime.
The Western North Carolina Crime Victims’ Coalition is made up of victim advocates from various agencies, including Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, Asheville Police Department, Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office, Pisgah Legal Services, Caring for Children – Trinity Place, Helpmate, Our Voice, and the 30th Judicial District Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Alliance, Inc.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week honors and celebrates the achievements of the past thirty years in securing rights, protections, and services for victims. The bipartisan Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), passed by Congress in 1984, created a national fund to ease victims’ suffering. Financed by fines and penalties paid by offenders, the Crime Victims Fund supports services for victims of all types of crime, including assistance for homicide survivors, survivors of child sexual abuse, and victims of human trafficking, as well as rape crisis centers and domestic violence programs among others. VOCA also funds victim compensation programs that pay victims’ out-of-pocket expenses – such as counseling, funeral expenses, and lost wages.
The event was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the individuals and organizations involved in supporting victims of crime in Western North Carolina.
Related Federal Cases
- Violent Crime Spikes in North Carolina 1930 · North Carolina
- North Carolina 1931: Crime on the Rise · North Carolina
- North Carolina 1932: Crime Amidst the Great Depression · North Carolina
- North Carolina in Turmoil: 1933 Crime Stats Reveal a Nation in Crisis · North Carolina
- North Carolina 1935 Crime Wave · North Carolina
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
