Attorney General Jay Jones announced on May 7 the recipients of the 2026 Unsung Heroes Award, recognizing public servants for their work supporting crime victims. The awards ceremony took place during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and highlighted individuals from various sectors who have shown dedication to assisting survivors.
The event aims to acknowledge those who play a crucial role in helping victims of crime find justice and support. According to Jones, “Awardees represent the heartbeat of public service. Demonstrating grit, perseverance, and compassion for others.” He added, “National Crime Victim’s Rights Week is a reminder that we must break down the barriers that keep survivors from finding justice. My office will continue to carry this reminder and work to fight for survivors as strongly as this year’s class of awardees.”
This year’s honorees include Pastor Belinda Baugh (New Divine Worship Center), Marlene Bright (Norfolk Family Justice Center), Amy Cassandra (Fauquier County Commonwealth’s Attorney), Captain Benjamin Childers (United States Marine Corps), Ashley Crews (Henrico County Victim Witness), Dawn Delacruz (Madison County Victim/Witness Program), Macy Fleischer (Culpeper Victim/Witness Program), Chris Genrich (US Army Appellate and Training Attorney), Sharnelle Hamlin (Virginia Victim Assistance Network), Jessica Hood (Wise/Norton Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office), Detective Jon Long (Fairfax County Police Department Cold Case Squad), Sergeant Jason Myers (Norfolk Police Department), Jennifer Perez (A & J Residential Services CEO), Karen Ashburn Rucker (City of Hampton Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney), Michael A. Shafer Jr. (VADOC Victim Services Unit Guest Speaker), Robyn Sodelett (Prosecutors Alliance Survivor Center Director), Tamara Thomas (Prince William County Victim/Witness Program Director), Ilana Wixted (Fairfax County Police Department Victim Services Specialist) and Master Detective David Wood (Stafford County Sheriff’s Office).
Awardees were nominated by their peers and come from law enforcement agencies, Commonwealth’s Attorneys offices, local victim witness programs or nonprofit organizations, forensic nursing, victim rights attorneys or military legal services.
The Attorney General of Virginia supports civil rights enforcement, provides legal counsel to state agencies while promoting public safety and defending constitutional rights throughout the Commonwealth. The office also addresses issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacy efforts; offers consumer protection resources; assists with identity theft; fraud reporting; and maintains a commitment to victim assistance programs according to the official website.
Looking ahead, officials say that continued recognition of unsung heroes will help foster stronger networks for supporting victims across Virginia.
