Feds Honor Hero Who Took Down Child Predator Justin Blankenship

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky, along with local law enforcement partners, commemorated National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) with a luncheon honoring those who have provided outstanding victim service.

The April 25 luncheon, held at the Lexington Crime Victims’ Rights Luncheon, aimed to raise awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights, and to remind the community of the important resources and services available. The local partnership commemorates and celebrates the advancement of victims’ rights, honoring those who have made a difference in the lives of crime victims.

According to the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) of the U.S. Department of Justice, in 2022, there were nearly 20 million crime victimizations in the United States. More than 6.6 million were the result of violent crimes, including rape or sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated and simple assault. Of those, only about 42% were reported to police.

Justin Blankenship, an Assistant United States Attorney, was honored with the Office’s Danny Ray Smith Crime Victims’ Rights Award for his extraordinary efforts in a demanding child exploitation prosecution. Through his dedicated support of the victim and tireless prosecution, the perpetrator was convicted and sentenced to a substantial prison term.

Other award recipients from the Lexington 2024 NCVRW Luncheon include Crystal Happy-Clay, honored by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office; Marisol Contreras, honored by the Lexington Police Department; Debbie Price, honored by the Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney Office; Amy Smith-Brantley, honored by the Fayette County Attorney’s Office; and Dr. Megan Schuster, Ph.D., honored by the BOP Federal Medical Center.

“Ensuring the rights of victims is critically important to the criminal justice system, and we simply must celebrate and recognize this fundamental support that allows victims’ voices to be heard,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Our Office is proud to partner with members of the law enforcement community to honor this dedicated support, and to renew our full commitment to victims of crime.”

The U.S. Department of Justice will host OVC’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony, in Washington, D.C., on April 25, 2024, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime. For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, visit ovc.ojp.gov/help-for-victims/overview.”