United States
Attorney Debra Yang of the Central District of California announced
that Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy
Christopher A. Hicks was recently awarded the 2004 Victim Witness Achievement
Award. Traditionally, this annual award is bestowed on federal law enforcement
agents, and their staff, who have distinguished themselves through extraordinary
professional achievements and excellence. However, this year, United
States Attorney Yang honored the only local law enforcement officer,
Deputy Christopher A. Hicks.
Deputy Hicks has been an instrumental member of the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement
(SAFE) Team since 1998. The SAFE Team consists of local, state and federal officers,
whose mission is to aggressively conduct both historical and proactive investigations
of federal law as they relate to violent crimes committed against children. Deputy
Hicks is a full-time member of the SAFE Team Task Force, who are responsible
for investigating crimes involving children who are the victims of sexual exploitation.
He has worked hundreds of sensitive cases, focusing on pedophiles and the devastating
trail of victims which they leave behind.
The primary emphasis of SAFE Team investigators is to return abducted or lured
children to their families. Using a variety of investigative techniques, multi-jurisdictional
resources and statutes, these investigators identify, target, arrest, and prosecute
child sex offenders. Of particular importance are those offenders who utilize
the Internet to prey on children. Computer telecommunications have become one
of the most prevalent techniques used by pedophiles to share illegal photographic
images of minors and lure children into illegal sexual relationships. The internet
has dramatically increased the sex offender’s access to the communities
they seek to victimize.
During Deputy Hicks’ six years with the Task Force, he has achieved great
results in arresting and indicting dozens of confirmed pedophiles, applying both
state and federal statutes. Many of these subjects are repeat offenders, who
would have continued their destructive behavior, if not for the efforts of Deputy
Hicks.
Deputy Hicks recently interviewed dozens of boys who were repeatedly victimized
by an individual who had gained their trust as a skateboard coach. Many of these
victims were drugged and unaware that the molestation had occurred. Deputy Hicks
spent a great deal of time and patience with each victim, and their families,
ensuring that proper individual attention was given and counseling was offered.
Deputy Hicks has shown unwavering sensitivity to these special victims throughout
his career. His work with children is most deserving to receive this reward on
behalf of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s
Office.
Deputy Hicks accepted this award on April 21, 2004, during a ceremony, hosted
by United States Attorney Yang’s Office in Los Angeles, California. More
than 40 United States Attorneys, and other federal officials were in attendance.
Deputy Hicks’ tireless efforts to assist others through a period of profound
circumstances exemplify the best in victim support and assistance.
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