Eastern Iowa victim service awards kick off National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

An investigator, a victim/witness coordinator and a police officer were honored Sunday by the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Linn County Attorney's Office in observance for National Crime Victim's Rights Week for their dedication, support and pursuit of justice for victims.

Kyle Paxton, Medicaid Fraud Unit investigator with the Department of Inspection and Appeals, received the Law Enforcement Victim Service Award.

First Assistant Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks, who nominated Paxton, said it was through Paxton's 'soft and sensitive investigative style' that he was able to get witnesses to speak up and tell the 'awful truth' about elder abuse going on at Park Setting Elder Care Home in Marion.

Paxton formed strong bonds with family members of 13 residents in the home who hadn't known their loved ones were being barricaded in their rooms at night because owners Peggy and Donald Berns had eliminated night staff, Maybanks said.

Paxton's seven-month investigation revealed the patients, who suffered from Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, were left exposed to many safety risks without proper care and health conditions from 'lying in their own waste,' according to a judge's ruling. Maybanks said Paxton 'gave a voice to those victims' who couldn't speak up for themselves, which led to the conviction of the Berns. They each were sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Paxton said he was 'very humbled and honored.' This noted this was such an 'egregious' crime and a tough one because the victims can't speak up, and he knew he had to go in with the understanding that their family members would be shocked and hesitant to talk.

None of the family members wanted to believe they had unwittingly put their loved ones in an abusive environment, he recalled.

'I see some bad stuff, but the outcomes help you sleep at night,' said Paxton, who mostly investigates care facility fraud.

'Extraordinary understanding'

Marion Police Officer Nicole Hotz received the Jennifer Clinton Domestic Violence Service Award, which is given each year in memory of the Assistant Linn County Attorney.

Hotz went 'above and beyond the call of duty' to assist a victim of domestic abuse providing support, concern and compassion in a professional manner, members of the Halting Abuse With Knowledge and Skills said in their nomination letter.

Anastasia Wilson, victim/witness coordinator and member of HAWKS, said in one particular case, Hotz showed 'extraordinary understanding of the dynamics present in domestic violence relationships' and the difficultly that many face when they make the decision to leave their abusive partner.

Hotz, two years with Marion department, said she was 'absolutely' surprised by the award. She likes to help domestic victims and always tells them to stay in contact with her if they need an 'open ear' — somebody to listen. In the past six months, she has started following up with victims, as part of job duties, even after a conviction.

'It's a comfort tool ...

to check in with them, just to make sure they feel safe in the community.'

Also honored was Holly Elliott, victim/witness coordinator with the Dubuque County Attorney's Office and treasurer for of Iowa Organization for Victim Assistance.

She received the Award of Excellence in Victim Service for her work with crime victims and in developing training and standards for victim service providers.

Karl Schilling, IOVA president and Elliott's nominator, said Elliott had been a 'real force' and the 'go-to person' with this organization and other groups that support victims.

'She's always enthusiastic and very dedicated to victim services and rights for victims,' Schilling said.

Dubuque County Attorney Ralph Potter in his nomination letter said Elliott has been with the office for 17 years and, during his nine years with the office, he and his staff 'heavily rely on Holly to be our immediate point of contact with victims and witnesses in our most difficult and sensitive cases.'

Elliott said she was completely surprised with the award and she is 'very appreciative' for the support from her boss and Schilling. Her passion is being the liaison to help them through the judicial process and helping them connect with other agencies that can provide additional services, whether it be housing or employment, Elliott said.

PODCAST: National Crime Victims Rights Week