Eric Griggs, Drug Overdose, Iowa 2022

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The Northern District of Iowa is commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 24-30, with a focus on the theme, “Rights, access, equity, for all victims.”

As part of the observance, Acting United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax recognized winners for three awards based on their service to victims in Iowa. Officer Nicholas Berry from the Waterloo Police Department was awarded the Law Enforcement Victim Services Award for going beyond the call of duty to help crime victims.

Officer Berry showed dedication to victims while investigating multiple cases involving drug overdoses resulting in the death of the victim. In particular, his work with the family of a drug overdose victim led to the successful prosecution of Eric Griggs. Officer Berry remained in close contact with the victim’s family throughout the investigation and prosecution. His tenacious investigation and empathy for the victim’s family led directly to the successful prosecution of Griggs, resulting in a 40-year prison sentence and restitution for the victim’s family.

Griggs was found guilty of [no specific charges mentioned in the source]. The investigation was conducted by the Waterloo Police Department, and the prosecution was handled by the Northern District of Iowa.

The Award for Excellence in Victim Services was presented to Brandi Lewin from the Delaware County Victim Services Office and Penny Galvin, the director of the Survivors’ Program with Waypoint Services. Both Ms. Lewin and Ms. Galvin have provided outstanding services to victims in Iowa.

Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims’ rights, needs and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims.

For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2022/overview.html

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