Attorney General James Uthmeier 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 Uthmeier recognized the 2025 award winners during a ceremony in the Florida Cabinet Meeting Room this morning.
“I’m honored to recognize several outstanding law enforcement officers and victim advocates who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help victims of crime,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Through their vital, selfless work, they are assisting victims and their families through their darkest days, as well as helping us make our home safe, strong, and free.”
The following law enforcement officers received the Attorney General’s Distinguished Victim Services Award:
Detective Andrew Arteaga, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office;
Officer Shawn Crocker, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office; and
Detective Sergeant Shawn Galarza, Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
The following victim advocates received the Attorney General’s Distinguished Victim Services Award:
Tiffany Petro, Indian Harbour Beach and Satellite Beach Police Departments;
City of Miami Police Department’s Victim Advocate Services Unit, Ana Rodriguez, Vida Abril, Sharon Marbury-Vester, Osmaira Llaneras, and Ronia Williams; and
Hilda Sagastume and Nicole Charbonier, Coral Springs Police Department.
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.
Original source can be found here.