Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch today hailed a Washington, D.C.-based task force for its relentless pursuit of child exploitation and human trafficking perpetrators. The team from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) received the prestigious Distinguished Service Award at a Justice Department ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Among the 376 DOJ employees and 47 external individuals recognized, the Washington Metro Child Exploitation Task Force stood out for its exceptional contributions to combating child exploitation. The force has been pivotal in identifying, disrupting, and dismantling notorious cyber predators operating within the D.C. metropolitan area.
In her address, Attorney General Lynch emphasized the significance of these awards: ‘The Attorney General’s Awards honor those who embody our mission of justice and safety. Their efforts make our nation stronger and safer.’
U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips echoed this sentiment, commending the task force for its round-the-clock dedication to rescuing children from sexual abuse. He highlighted the team’s success in penetrating the cyber world of child predators, underscoring their role in law enforcement.
Assistant Director in Charge Abbate praised the team members for their exemplary work, emphasizing their heroic efforts in bringing justice to those who exploit and abuse children. ‘They face some of the most challenging cases in law enforcement every day,’ said Abbate.
Peter Newsham, Interim Chief of MPD, emphasized the importance of collaboration among agencies: ‘Through teamwork and unwavering commitment, we will continue to protect our children’s safety.’ The Distinguished Service Award is a testament to the tireless work of individuals like Cyber Division Supervisory Special Agent Brenda K. Born, Special Agents Sean P. Clark and Jenny M. Cutalo-Patterson, Detectives Jonathan K. Andrews Sr. and Timothy R. Palchak, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea L. Hertzfeld and Cassidy M. Pinegar, among others.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Cybercrime|Sex Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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