News

Victims' group honors county detective, court advocate

By Bill Moss, Published: April 26, 2016

A Henderson County sheriff's detective was one of three Western North Carolina law officers recognized as an outstanding law enforcement professional and a Henderson County court advocate was also honored by the Western North Carolina Victims Coalition and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

U.S. Attorney Jill Westmoreland Rose announced that 12 individuals were recognized Monday at an event commemorating National Victims’ Rights week.

Detective Matthew Orr, of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, was the only honoree from a Henderson County agency. Benjamin McKay, a former Henderson County sheriff's captain and now a sergeant with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, was also recognized as an outstanding law enforcement professional. The third winner was Detective Joshua Meindl of the Asheville Police Department.

Meredith Hooks, a court advocate and Family Justice Center coordinator with Safelight in Hendersonville, was one of three Victim Advocacy Professional honorees.

Victim Advocacy Professional winners were:
Christine Gibson – Disability and Elder Safe Coordinator with the 30th Judicial Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Alliance, Inc.

Melissa Knight – Court Advocate with Helpmate.
Susie Presley – Victim Advocate with Haywood County Sheriff’s Office.
Angelica Wind – Executive Director of Our Voice.

Criminal Justice Professional winners were:
Rachael Groffsky – Assistant District Attorney with the 28th Prosecutorial District, Buncombe County.
The Honorable James Calvin Hill – Chief Court Judge with the 28th Prosecutorial District, Buncombe County.
Reid Taylor – Assistant District Attorney with the 30th Prosecutorial District. Compassionate Community Volunteer:
Carolyn Lescallitt– Volunteer with the 30th Judicial Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Alliance, Inc.