DES MOINES, Iowa – The Southern District of Iowa recognizes the courage and bravery of victims, and the outstanding work of law enforcement, victim advocates, and community service partners throughout Iowa. Ten individuals are recognized for outstanding service to victims.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal for the Southern District of Iowa stated, ‘Every day law enforcement officers and victim service providers give priceless assistance and support to courageous crime survivors. With their unwavering support, these individuals provide hope, safe spaces and vital services to victims in our community and are a critical component of our criminal justice system.’
The 2024 Law Enforcement Victim Service Award recognizes the performance of three law enforcement officers: Josh Dagit, Special Agent, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Jeremy Tosh, Investigator, Ottumwa Police Department, and Kegan Jacobson, Detective, Burlington Police Department.
Special Agent Josh Dagit and Investigator Jeremy Tosh provided extraordinary assistance to hundreds of immigrant victims in the investigation and prosecution of a fraudulent tax scheme. Those immigrants were literally from all over the world—Burma, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico, and other places. Some were refugees. Nearly all had little education and were unable to speak or read English. Special Agent Dagit and Investigator Tosh showed time and time again that they were willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the victims’ participation and comfort, all in hopes of justice being served.
Detective Kegan Jacobson’s work in United States v. Miesha Stanley et al exemplified his dedication to holding sex traffickers accountable for preying on society’s most vulnerable members. Detective Jacobson’s worked with victim service specialists to utilize trauma informed interview skills, responded to safety concerns, and built a strong and trusting rapport with victims. Detective Jacobson’s investigation of this matter both provided victims a secure environment and services, and also made the Burlington community safer.
The 2024 Award for Excellence in Victim Services is awarded to Shannon Knudsen, SANE Coordinator, S.A.F.E. Center of Iowa, Emily Milke, IL Sexual Assault Medical/Legal Advocate, Family Resources, and Lindsay Wilson, Victim Advocate, Family Crisis Centers.
Individuals like these make a difference in the lives of crime victims. Their dedication, compassion, and hard work are truly priceless. It is our hope that others will follow their example and make a difference as well.
As part of this observance, the Southern District of Iowa recognizes the courage and bravery of victims, and the outstanding work of law enforcement, victim advocates, and community service partners throughout Iowa.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is observed from April 21-27, 2024, with the theme ‘How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors.’
Related Federal Cases
- Kendall Andrew Streb, Child Sex Trafficking, Iowa 2023 · Oklahoma
- Kachimbe Mukanzu, Sex Trafficking, Iowa 2022 · Connecticut
- Tonyiel Partee, Sex Trafficking, Wisconsin 2021 · Wisconsin
- Erasmus Luis Gonzales, Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, Iowa 2022 · Connecticut
- Manuel Jr., Drug Distribution, Iowa 2020 · Iowa
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Sex Crimes|Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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