HSI special agents honored by DOJ for Arizona child predator investigation
HSI special agents honored by DOJ for Arizona child predator investigation
PHOENIX – Two special agents assigned to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were honored Thursday by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona as part of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
HSI Special Agents William "Cody" Nuckles and Gregory Kelly were among several law enforcement officers, prosecutors, social workers and victim witness specialists honored during a ceremony at the U.S. Attorney's Office for their work providing vital support and services to crime victims.
"The U.S. Attorney's Office is deeply committed to assisting victims of federal crimes, ensuring they are afforded their rights under the Crime Victims' Rights Act, protecting them from further harm, and helping them reshape their futures," said John S. Leonardo, U.S. attorney for the District of Arizona. "This week is a time to raise awareness about the rights and needs of crime victims, the challenges victims face in the recovery process, and the positive impact of those who provide services and support to victims."
Nuckles and Kelly, assigned to HSI Douglas, were honored for their roles in an Operation Predator investigation that resulted in the conviction of Sierra Vista resident Michael D. Flammond, 38, on federal child pornography charges. Flammond was sentenced in October 2012 to 10 years in federal prison.
Operation Predator is a nationwide HSI initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas for sex with minors, Internet pornographers, criminal alien sex offenders and child sex traffickers.
"I am very proud of the dedication and perseverance Special Agents Cody Nuckles and Greg Kelly brought to this child predator investigation," said Matt Allen, special agent in charge of HSI Arizona. "Thanks to their tireless efforts, this perpetrator was brought to justice. It's an honor to serve with these fine law enforcement professionals."
The Crime Victims' Rights Act, enacted in 2004, grants victims in federal criminal proceedings certain enforceable rights, including the right to be reasonably heard at public court proceedings and to receive full and timely restitution as provided by law.
National Crime Victims' Rights Week, commemorated each April since 1981, is organized by the DOJ's Office for Victims of Crime. The event promotes victims' rights and honors crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. Additional information about the program can be found at www.crimevictims.gov.
Updated: