Attorney General Moody Honors Victim Advocates and Law Enforcement During 2023 Crime Victims’ Rights Awards Ceremony

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Attorney General Ashley Moody today announced the Distinguished Victim Services Award recipients during the National Crime Victims' Rights Week Ceremony. Every year, the Florida Attorney General's Office honors victim advocates and law enforcement officers who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist crime victims during National Crime Victims' Rights Week. Attorney General Moody recognized the 2023 award winners during a ceremony at Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, "This year's Distinguished Victim Services Award recipients have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help crime victims through their darkest days. I'm honored to highlight their incredible stories and the vital selfless work they do to help victims."

The following law enforcement officers received the Attorney General's Distinguished Victim Services Award:

• Detective James Kaban- Coral Springs Police Department
• Investigator T.C. McIntosh- Office of the State Attorney, 7th Judicial Circuit
• Detective Stephanie Casas- Boca Raton Police Department

The following victim advocates received the Attorney General's Distinguished Victim Services Award:

• Candace Harrinarine- Florida Atlantic University Police Department
• Raiza C. Garcia- City of Coral Gables Police Department
• Jennifer Moffitt- Office of the State Attorney, 6th Judicial Circuit

Since 1981, National Crime Victims' Rights Week helps citizens and advocates reflect on commitments to serving victims of all crime. The Florida Constitution and Florida Crime Victims' Bill of Rights give crime victims or lawful representatives, including the next of kin of homicide victims, granted rights. These include the right to be informed, present and heard when relevant at all crucial stages of criminal proceedings, to be free from harassment, intimidation or abuse, and to have the safety of the victim and the victim's family considered when setting bail or pretrial release conditions.

The Attorney General's Division of Victim Services and Criminal Justice Programs serves as an advocate for crime victims. For more information on crime victim services offered by the Attorney General's Office, click here.

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