Officials from the Kansas Attorney General's Office honored five award winners for their service to crime victims during a ceremony and luncheon in Wichita on April 11, 2024.
"The work the award winners do to help crime victims navigate really challenging circumstances is extraordinary and invaluable," Attorney General Kris Kobach said. "Providing justice to crime victims is more than prosecuting the offenders. Justice includes serving victims in their time of need, supporting them through the process, and helping ensure their voices are heard."
Presented annually for nearly three decades, the Kansas Attorney General's Crime Service Awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to improve the lives of those who have experienced crime. Peers, victim families, and other community partners across Kansas offer nominations each year.
The Community Champion Award recognizes an individual or group that has made a significant difference for victims of crime. Kim Bergman, Tess Ramirez, Lesa Patterson-Kinsey, and Joe Cherey lead the group Protecting KS Children from Sexual Predators. In 2023, they successfully advocated removing the criminal statute of limitations for child sexual abuse and increasing the amount of time survivors have to file a civil lawsuit from age 21 to age 31. They set up an information table multiple days a week throughout the legislative session to educate lawmakers and the public about child abuse.
"These remarkable individuals have not only bravely shared their personal experiences of exploitation but have also been relentless in their pursuit of systemic change," said Kasey Dalke, executive director of the Children's Advocacy Centers of Kansas.
Sgt. Dan Oblinger received recognition for his contribution regarding victim needs or offender accountability within the criminal justice response. Recently retired from the Wichita Police Department's Undercover Vice Unit, Oblinger's team used proactive measures to reduce demand by arresting buyers and supporting traffickers' prosecution. He now works for a nonprofit consulting nationally on counter-human trafficking investigations.
Jennifer White, founder of ICT SOS, nominated Oblinger: "Dan has a servant-leader heart... He goes the extra mile to make sure things like Fresh Start bags are available in moments of crisis for a survivor."
Megan Rogers was honored as a community-based victim advocate for her outstanding work at Safehouse Crisis Center. As a survivor herself, Rogers played a pivotal role in establishing community partnerships and expanding services for victims.
"In a time when victims felt hopeless... Megan goes beyond just providing immediate crisis intervention and safety planning," said her nominator Brooke Powell.
Kayla Stone was recognized as a system-based victim advocate with her role as Law Enforcement Victims Assistance Coordinator at the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). She provides direct services to crime victims primarily in western Kansas counties.
"Kayla has set the bar high in what it means to be a victim advocate," said Abigail Hammeke, who nominated Stone.
The Johnson County DA's Victim Assistant Unit was awarded for its organizational efforts under supervisor Brian Porch. The unit manages over 300 cases annually with significant volunteer support coordinated by Debbie Floyd.
"Their combined experience, dedication... have played a crucial role in shaping the success of the Victim Assistance Unit," nominator Whitney Race said.