U.S. Attorney Dennis K. Burke Hosts Event Honoring Victims of Crime
Memorial Brings Together Victims’ Families, Law Enforcement Advocates in Observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

PHOENIX—U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona Dennis K. Burke and officials from federal and state law enforcement agencies met today with several family members from around Arizona to honor their loved ones and other victims who were lost to crimes of violence. The event, which was held in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, also paid tribute to advocates, prosecutors, investigators and other individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to assist victims of crime.

“Our Victim Advocates work tirelessly to assist crime victims and their families in the wake of the most traumatic events of their lives. They absolutely have the hardest job in our office,” U.S. Attorney Dennis K. Burke said at today’s ceremony. “It is my goal to ensure that the U.S. Attorney’s Office commits to provide crime victims with the services and assistance they need, not only this week but throughout years to come.”

Peggy Bilsten, a former Phoenix City Councilwoman and nationally recognized human and crime victims’ rights advocate, was the keynote speaker for the event. Bilsten now focuses her attention on the issue of eradicating Child Sex Trafficking and serves as a Goodwill Ambassador of Humanitarian Efforts.

“For those of you who are out there struggling with the things that happened to you, you are not alone,” said Bilsten, who shared her story of childhood abuse. “Your life matters and I want you to know there isn’t anything you can’t do. By all means, whatever you do, do not be silent.”

Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s office paid often-times emotional tributes to the family members of the crime victims recognized during the event. U.S. Attorney Burke then presented awards for outstanding work for victims’ assistance to Assistant United States Attorney Dyanne Greer, Special Agent Frances Murillo, Special Agent Cheryn Priestino, Criminal Investigator Alvernon Tsosie, Tuba City Criminal Investigators, and Assistant United States Attorney Angela Woolridge.

Among the attendees were representatives from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Bureau of Prisons, IRS, U.S. Dept. of Education, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Arizona Dept. of Corrections, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Food and Drug Administration and Tribal law enforcement agencies.

For 30 years, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) has challenged the nation to reshape the future of crime victims by seeking rights, resources, and protections needed to rebuild their lives. This week also serves as a celebration of decades of hard-earned progress and a renewed commitment to overcome the harm caused by crime. For more information on Crime Victims’ Rights Week visit www.ncvc.org.

RELEASE NUMBER: 2011-064(Crime Victims’ Rights Week)