Attorney General Jay Jones announced on May 7 the recipients of the 2026 Unsung Heroes Award during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The ceremony recognized public servants for their commitment and service to crime victims.
The event highlights the ongoing efforts to support survivors and honor those who provide critical services in their communities. The awards aim to draw attention to individuals whose work often goes unrecognized but is vital for helping victims seek justice and healing.
“Awardees represent the heartbeat of public service. Demonstrating grit, perseverance, and compassion for others,” said Attorney General Jay Jones. “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, Marlene Bright, Amy Cassandra, Captain Benjamin Childers, Ashley Crews, Dawn Delacruz, Macy Fleischer, Chris Genrich, Sharnelle Hamlin, Jessica Hood, Detective Jon Long, Sergeant Jason Myers, Jennifer Perez, Karen Ashburn Rucker, Michael A. Shafer Jr., Robyn Sodelett, Tamara Thomas, Ilana Wixted and Master Detective David Wood. These individuals serve in roles ranging from law enforcement officers and victim advocates to nonprofit leaders across Virginia.
Awardees are nominated by peers from various sectors such as law enforcement agencies; Commonwealth’s Attorneys; local Victim Witness offices; nonprofit organizations; forensic nurses; victim rights attorneys; or Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG). The Attorney General of Virginia supports civil rights enforcement and victim assistance programs while providing legal counsel to state agencies throughout the Commonwealth according to the official website.
The office also addresses issues like human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacy while offering consumer protection resources including identity theft prevention tools according to the official website. As these efforts continue statewide under Attorney General Jay Jones’ leadership—who serves all Virginians—the recognition given through these awards reflects an ongoing commitment toward justice and support for crime victims.
