ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER HONORS LOUISIANA SHERIFFS OFFICE AND ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN RECOVERY ACT FUNDS FOR STATE

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. announced today that the Department of Justice is awarding more than $1 million in Recovery Act formula grants for Louisiana state victim assistance and victim compensation programs. The Attorney General made the announcement in his remarks at the National Crime Victims' Rights Week Awards Ceremony where he also recognized the staff of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office, Police Social Services Section, in Thibodaux, La., for their efforts on behalf of crime victims. The ceremony is a prelude to the nation's observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 26-May 2, 2009.

"We all owe a debt to these honorees and to the countless other advocates across the country who tirelessly work to protect victims' rights," Attorney General Eric Holder said. "The Department of Justice is committed to protecting victims' rights, which is why I'm so pleased we've been able to dedicate funds from the Recovery Act to assist these advocates in their invaluable work."

In addition to recognizing the section's team members: Lt. Karla S. Beck, Deanna Dufrene, Sgt. Valerie Day, Deputy Dale Savoie, Deputy Walter Tenney, Deputy Delaune Boudreaux, Advocate Tamera Joseph, Deputy Rebecca Shaver, Deputy Amy Guillot, Deputy Pam Guedry, and Reservist Bernard Lafaso, the Attorney General recognized nine other individuals and programs for their service to crime victims.

More information about the Recovery Act Victim Assistance and Compensation formula grants and National Crime Victims' Rights Week is available at: ojp.gov.

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