AG Fitch Hosts 2022 Outstanding Service to Crime Victims Award Ceremony

Attorney General Lynn Fitch joined the Mississippi Coalition Against

Domestic Violence, the Mississippi Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and

Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi to honor those who have

demonstrated outstanding commitment to serving victims of crime in

Mississippi. The awards ceremony is one of the many ways the Attorney

General’s Office is observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, emphasizing the importance of leveraging community partners statewide to help care for and support Mississippi victims of crime.

The Attorney General’s Office partners with organizations statewide to show

crime victims they are not alone, to acknowledge the pain and trauma they

experience, and to help victims and their families receive the care and

services they need, empowering them to find their way to recovery with

dignity and hope.

“We honor these men and women today,” said Attorney General Fitch, “for going above and beyond to help crime victims become survivors, helping them move forward with hope, peace of mind, and restored dignity. They are leaders. They are advocates. Their compassion and commitment should challenge each of us to be the shoulders upon which those victimized by others can stand tall.”

Mississippi Attorney General’s Office Awardee:

Lt. Michael Anthony Boutte Sr.

Just over one year ago, on February 1, 2021, Lt. Boutte responded to a 911 call in Hancock County. A man had become verbally combative, erratic, and violent in the presence of children. When Lt. Boutte arrived, he was ambushed in his patrol car. He was airlifted to a New Orleans hospital but succumbed to his wounds. He was only 57 years old. He left behind his beautiful wife, children, and grandchildren. His widow, Jennifer, accepted his award on his behalf.

Lt. Boutte had served for 20 years in law enforcement and as a veteran of the United States Air Force. During his eight years with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Lt. Boutte was awarded the Life Saving Medal for saving the life of a child, he spearheaded the National Crime Night Out, and he introduced the Silver Alert database for the City of Diamondhead.

“Lt. Boutte’s life represented everything law enforcement should be,” said Attorney General Fitch. “It is with our most heartfelt appreciation for his service and our most sincere sympathies for his family, that we honor him today.”

“On the campus of MS State University (MSU) with over 20,000 students enrolled, and faculty and staff is an Essential Advocate leading the MSU Office of Survivor Support, providing direct services and resources to those in need and to be all things to the campus community,” said Executive Director of Mississippi Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Levette Johnson. “Being an advocate often times go unnoticed, when someone you worked with share how you impact their lives and your support was the bridge to their future. It seems all worth it. Dr. Yvett Roby is an Essential Advocate who deserves the 2022 Outstanding Service to Victims of Crime and supports more than 20,000 students on MS State University campus.”

Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence Awardee: Lauderdale County Sheriff William D. (Billy) Sollie

Sheriff Billy Sollie, Lauderdale County, has served the communities of Meridian and Lauderdale County since 1974, including as Sheriff of Lauderdale County since 1995. Sheriff Sollie has been a member of Care Lodge’s Board of Trustees for many years.

“The Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence continues to develop great partnerships throughout the state to enhance systemic advocacy for victims and survivors,” said Executive Director of Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Wendy Mahoney. “Our award recipient is a wonderful example of how law enforcement partners with the service delivery system to support survivors in our state. Remember…..Together, We Have the Strength!”

Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi Awardee:

Hinds County Court Judge Carlyn Hicks

Judge Carlyn Hicks has devoted her life to defending families and improving access to justice in the youth court system. She has worked selflessly to help shape local and state public policies to ensure fundamental fairness.  Her efforts have helped directly lead to the expansion of services for victims while promoting the protection of victim’s rights.

“Judge Hicks has worked to improve child welfare policy at the national and state level. Her passion is evident in her work to help the most vulnerable among us and facilitate the changes needed to assist families to succeed,” said Executive Director of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi, Karla Tye. “Over the past year, Judge Hicks was instrumental in the development of Mississippi’s newest child advocacy center – Central Mississippi Child Advocacy Center. Through her support and actions, all victimized children in Hinds County may now benefit from the hope, healing, and justice of a CAC. “

The Outstanding Service to Crime Victim Awards Ceremony was established

to honor and celebrate individuals who go above and beyond to respond to

crime in their communities and help victims find support, recovery, justice,

and a sense of hope and security.

Governor Tate Reeves signed a proclamation naming the week of

April 24 to 30, 2022, Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Mississippi. As noted in

the Proclamation, this week “provides an opportunity for all to recommit to

ensuring that accessible, appropriate, and trauma-informed services are

available to help them heal on every level: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.”