LUBBOCK, TX—FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno acknowledged the efforts of 15 law enforcement agencies for their significant roles in combating crimes against children at a recognition and awards reception held today, February 23, 2022.

More than 80 crimes against children cases were prosecuted in the West Texas area from 2019 to 2021. The 18 investigations highlighted today led to combined results of more than 270 years in federal prison and three life sentences.

The reception took place at Peoples Bank in Lubbock and recognized representatives from:

• Brownfield Police Department
• Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations
• Hockley County Sheriff’s Office
• Levelland Police Department
• Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office
• Lubbock Police Department
• Muleshoe Police Department
• New Deal Police Department
• Plainview Police Department
• Shallowater Police Department
• Slaton Police Department
• Snyder Police Department
• Texas Department of Public Safety
• Tulia Police Department
• U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Texas

“Each department should be commended for their dedication to removing individuals from our society who prey on children,” said SAC DeSarno. “Thousands of children become victims of crime every year and we must continue to use our combined law enforcement resources to seek justice for victims, their families, and other vulnerable members of our community.”

Two FBI Director’s Certificates were also presented to recognize the exceptional work and close coordination performed across the territory by:

• Lubbock Police Department Detective and FBI Task Force Officer John Bentley
• U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam

Mr. DeSarno explained, “Violent crime investigations with juvenile victims are complex and sensitive, and the FBI is grateful for Task Force Officer William Bentley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam’s contributions to investigating the crimes, conducting thorough prosecutions all while providing protection for the victims.”

For additional information on the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children program, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/cac.