For Immediate Release—April 9, 2014

            Top law enforcement honors went to a team composed of a local FBI agent and two Seminole deputies assigned to an FBI special unit which was responsible for 15 arrests of child predators and abusers in the past year, State Attorney Phil Archer said Wednesday during the annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week event.

            The team, part of the FBI’s Crimes Against Children/Innocent Images Unit, consists of FBI Special Agent Rod Hyre and Seminole County Sheriff’s Investigators Steven McElyea and Debra Healy who both serve as FBI Task Force Officers with the unit. Archer said the 15 arrests have already resulted in seven convictions with prison sentences ranging from five years to life.

            “These agents deal daily with material most of us shun forever, yet they persist for the sake of the safety of all of our children,” Archer said.

            Others receiving recognition were: Community Advocate Andrea Malone from SafeHouse of Seminole; from the State Attorney’s Office, Debbie Fuller, felony secretary, received the Outstanding Service Award; Valeda Aduloju, Attorney of the Year; and Pamela Theiss, Advocate of the Year.

            Archer commended the winners, saying they had consistently made a difference in crime victims' lives.

            This year’s theme “30 Years: Restoring the Balance of Justice” reflects the ongoing quest of assuring crime victims the right to be informed, be present and be heard during their criminal cases. The speaker for the event was Thomas Gillan, founder and director of PSU Crisis Management and Training Group, Orlando.