News Summary
In Bryan, Texas, the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC) honors its dedicated volunteers who have significantly impacted the community in 2024. With 498 survivors assisted and Juan Lleras recognized as Volunteer Advocate of the Year for his 500 hours of service, SARC emphasizes the importance of volunteer efforts in delivering vital support. Meanwhile, the community grapples with shocking legal news as Dana Pettigrew receives a 45-year sentence for child sex crimes, underscoring the critical role of vigilance and support for survivors.
Celebrating Volunteers: The Heart of the Brazos Valley Community
In the vibrant city of Bryan, Texas, the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC) is making waves as it celebrates the extraordinary impact of its volunteers in 2024. This year has been a remarkable journey for SARC, as hundreds of survivors received the help they needed from dedicated volunteers like Juan Lleras, who was honored as SARC’s Volunteer Advocate of the Year.
Making a Significant Impact
SARC reported an impressive reach, assisting a total of 498 survivors and answering 632 crisis hotline calls over the past year. With a total of 3,378 hours of counseling provided across seven counties, the center’s dedicated volunteers played a leading role in helping close to 1,000 individuals find their footing after trauma.
Kim Dimmett, the executive director of SARC, highlighted the crucial role volunteers play in the organization’s ability to deliver quality services. Volunteers are not only representing the center in call centers, but they also accompany survivors during crucial medical visits and assist in communications with law enforcement. It’s this kind of commitment that makes SARC such a lifeline for those in need.
Juan Lleras’ Inspiring Journey
Juan Lleras made waves with an astounding 500 hours of volunteer work in the last year alone. Lleras focuses on ensuring survivors feel heard and understood. One of the most profound moments for him came during a visit to the hospital with a survivor, where he witnessed firsthand the sense of isolation many feel in that moment. This experience cemented his understanding of SARC’s critical role in the community.
SARC is always on the lookout for more compassionate hearts to join their efforts. The organization encourages those in need to reach out for their services, while also inviting volunteers and donors to help strengthen their mission of support and healing.
A Sobering Legal Update in the Community
Important Legal Details
Testimony in court painted a disturbing picture, revealing Pettigrew’s history of domestic violence against the mother of the child and previous victims outside of Texas. His sentencing includes a concurrent 20-year term for the charge of Indecency with a Child by Exposure. The Brazos County District Attorney’s Office emphasized the significance of believing survivors of child abuse in their quest for justice.
Recent Indictments Against Other Suspects
The legal system has also seen a flurry of activity, with a grand jury issuing new indictments this month for men facing sex-related charges against minors. Key among these include:
- Roberto Carlos Martinez-Almendarez, 20, indicted on charges of Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact, with a U.S. Immigration Hold placed.
- Sergio Adrian Garza, 28, facing three counts of Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact, who was released on bond shortly after his arrest.
- Stelton Wendrick Govan II, 24, indicted on Sexual Abuse of a Child Continuous with a Victim Under 14, still remains incarcerated due to a high bond.
- Tishawon Tiriayon Moore, 19, indicted on Sexual Assault of a Child and released on a lower bond.
- Jamarr Zamora, 22, has been sentenced to 20 years after sexually assaulting two teenagers, a case marred with manipulative and abusive tactics directed at vulnerable youth.
Community Response
As the legal repercussions continue, the Brazos Valley community is reminded of the importance of vigilance, support, and resources available for survivors. With organizations like SARC fighting tirelessly to support those affected by such heinous acts, the community can take comfort in knowing that healing and justice are within reach. Together, we can stand against these offenses, ensuring that survivors are never alone on their journey to recovery.
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Additional Resources
- KBTX News: Bryan Man Sentenced
- Wikipedia: Sexual Assault
- KAGS News: Rockdale Man Sentenced
- Google Search: Sexual Assault Resources
- KBTX News: Bryan Man Indicted
- Google Scholar: Sexual Assault Legal Impacts
- KBTX News: Four Men Indicted
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sex Crimes
- ABC13 News: Principal Accused
- Google News: Sexual Assault Cases
