LEXINGTON, Ky. – In a powerful display of commitment to justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky, alongside local law enforcement partners, commemorated National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) with a poignant luncheon event.
On April 22-26, 2024, the Eastern District of Kentucky joined forces with the Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Fayette County Attorney’s Office, the Lexington Police Department, the Office of the Fayette County Sheriff, and the Federal Bureau of Prison’s Federal Medical Center to raise awareness about the vital issues and rights of crime victims. The statistics are stark: nearly 20 million crime victimizations in the United States in 2022, with over 6.6 million resulting from violent crimes, including rape or sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated and simple assault. Alarming, yet, only about 42% of these crimes were reported to police.
The Lexington Crime Victims’ Rights Luncheon served as a rallying cry for the community, a celebration of the advancement of victims’ rights, and a tribute to those who have provided outstanding victim service. Awards were bestowed upon remarkable individuals who have made a profound impact in the fight against crime, including Justin Blankenship, an Assistant United States Attorney, who received the Office’s Danny Ray Smith Crime Victims’ Rights Award. Blankenship’s tireless efforts in a high-profile child exploitation prosecution led to the conviction and substantial prison sentence of the perpetrator.
Other notable award recipients included Crystal Happy-Clay, honored by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office; Marisol Contreras, recognized by the Lexington Police Department; Debbie Price, commended by the Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney Office; Amy Smith-Brantley, honored by the Fayette County Attorney’s Office; and Dr. Megan Schuster, Ph.D., recognized by the BOP Federal Medical Center.
The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) of the U.S. Department of Justice leads the nation in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, promoting victims’ rights and honoring those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme, “How Would You Help?
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Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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