Department of Justice Commemorates 2023 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

DES MOINES, IA – The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa join federal, state, and local communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and celebrating victims’ rights, protections, and services. This year’s observance takes place April 23-29, 2023 and features the theme, “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change,” which emphases the importance of engaging with victims of crime, learning from their lived experiences, amplifying their voices, and fostering an environment where they are heard, believed, and supported.

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. Seven individuals are recognized for outstanding service to victims:

Award for Excellence in Victim Services
• United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Iowa, Victim Witness Specialist Charlotte Kovacs
• Family Resources/Braking Traffik Survivor Advocate Gretchen McCall

Law Enforcement Victim Service Award
• Des Moines Police Department Detective Ben Carter
• Council Bluffs Police Department Sergeant John Focht
• Altoona Police Department Detective David Lowe
• FBI Special Agent Amber Mann
• Ottumwa Police Department Investigator Jeremy Tosh

“These awards proudly recognize the exceptional efforts of individuals providing assistance to federal and state victims in the Southern District of Iowa,” said United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. “Advocacy for the rights and safety of victims is a cogent reminder of the long-term human impact of these crimes. The service of these individuals, and other state and federal victim advocates, are a vital component of our criminal justice system.”

The 2023 Award for Excellence in Victim Services is awarded to United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Iowa, Victim Witness Specialist Charlotte Kovacs. Kovacs provides selfless and dedicated advocacy to federal crime victims. Kovacs epitomizes the highest quality of victim advocacy in support of victims, witnesses, and their families during the investigation and prosecution of all federal crimes, and specifically human trafficking cases and fentanyl-related death cases. Kovacs’s extraordinary dedication to her profession and to the citizens of the Southern District of Iowa cannot be replicated.

The 2023 Award for Excellence in Victim Services is awarded to Family Resources/Braking Traffik Survivor Advocate Gretchen McCall. McCall has provided excellent victim services to the Davenport community and the Southern District of Iowa. McCall and her services were instrumental in a Davenport human trafficking case where, as a victim advocate, she provided the human trafficking victim with vital resources to ensure a solid foundation for the victim, before, during, and after trial. McCall’s devotion to her profession, time and time again, has proven to be an invaluable resource to the community and the victims for whom she relentlessly advocates.

The 2023 Law Enforcement Victim Service Award recognizes the performance of Des Moines Police Department Detective Ben Carter. Detective Carter showed outstanding work and unrelenting perseverance in the investigation and prosecution of Tyrone Cameron. Detective Carter’s dedication to the case began in early spring of 2022 from the death of Jeff Gillom and extended into April 2023 when Tyrone Cameron was convicted in federal court on charges related to the death of Gillom. During a year’s time, Detective Carter showed unwavering commitment to bring justice to the victim’s family and ultimately received justice by performing in his role as an investigator and as the victim’s family’s lifeline by exuding empathy and understanding with the victim’s family. Detective Carter went above and beyond in his duties for the victim’s family and for the Des Moines community, resulting in a conviction largely due to his unparalleled commitment and service.

The 2023 Law Enforcement Victim Service Award is awarded to Council Bluffs Police Department Sergeant John Focht for his support and dedication to his profession through the investigation and prosecution of several cases involving child victims. Sergeant Focht’s investigative skills were vital in the prosecution of Myron Brandon who was charged and convicted of Kidnapping and Transportation of a Minor. Sergeant Focht spent countless hours meeting with witnesses across the United States and assisted the prosecution with invaluable support during trial. Sergeant John Focht is an irreplaceable asset to the Council Bluffs community and to the people of Iowa.

The 2023 Law Enforcement Victim Service Award is awarded to Altoona Police Department Detective David Lowe for his outstanding service, commitment, and dedication to assisting victims in the Altoona community and the State of Iowa. Detective Lowe has established himself as an outstanding detective in the investigations of human trafficking and child exploitation cases by providing support to victims and witnesses. Detective Lowe has exceptional skills in communication, investigation, and prosecutorial support and exemplifies the highest order of conduct and performance in every investigation and with each victim.

The 2023 Law Enforcement Victim Service Award is awarded to FBI Special Agent Amber Mann as a fierce investigator and committed advocate for justice especially for minor victims in human trafficking and sex trafficking cases. Special Agent Mann successfully investigated and aided in the prosecution of two defendants, one convicted of Transportation of a Minor and Coercion and Enticement and one convicted of Travel with the Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct. Both defendants preyed on children for their personal intentions. Special Agent Mann investigated the cases to the core, worked directly with the minor victims and their families, and dedicated long hours on the ultimate prosecution of two predators. Special Agent Mann is dedicated to our community and to fighting for justice for all victims.

The 2023 Law Enforcement Victim Service Award is awarded to Ottumwa Police Department Investigator Jeremy Tosh for his commitment to his work and for his relentless efforts to provide victims and witnesses of crimes with outstanding support. Investigator Tosh’s skills were put to the test during the investigation and prosecution of Nesly Mwarecheong and Bertino Weires, both of which plead guilty to forced labor crimes against three victims from the small island of Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia. Investigator Tosh provided constant support to the victims, despite significant obstacles with language barriers and American customs and norms. At sentencing, the victims expressed their gratitude for Investigator Tosh in their victim impact statements, proof that Investigator Tosh’s impact on the lives of victims makes him most deserving of this award.

President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims.

For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ojp.gov/ncvrw2022/overview.