U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation

December 5, 2008
For immediate release

FBI ANNOUNCES 2008 RECIPIENT OF DIRECTOR'S COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

James Casey, Special Agent in Charge of the Jacksonville Division of the FBI, announced today that Ann Dugger has been named the recipient of the 2008 Director's Community Leadership Award.

Established in 1990, the Director's Community Leadership Award is presented each year by FBI Field Offices to individuals whose achievements in the areas of crime prevention, drug deterrence, or similar educational programs have made a positive difference in their communities. Past Jacksonville recipients of the award include Terry Lane of Metro Kids Konnection, Delores Barr Weaver, former Sheriff Nat Glover, Pastor Lee Harris of the Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist Church, and Diane Kerr, former Jacksonville "Weed and Seed" chairperson.

Mrs. Dugger is being recognized for her efforts as Executive Director of the Justice Coalition, Jacksonville’s victim advocacy organization. As Director, Mrs. Dugger oversees the production of the Victims' Advocate, a monthly newspaper with a circulation of 35,000 that features stories about crime victims, wanted fugitives, missing persons, and unsolved murders, and offers rewards for information about related matters. Since the newspaper’s inception ten years ago, nearly 1,700 fugitives have been caught and 148 missing persons have been located. Mrs. Dugger also provides training to businesses, civic groups and other organizations about the Justice Coalition's Community Watch Program, which lends additional eyes and ears to law enforcement by encouraging citizens to become volunteers on the job by reporting suspicious activity. Mrs. Dugger has been recognized by a number of law enforcement and civic organizations for her tireless efforts on behalf of crime victims, and has spearheaded legislative efforts at the state level to advocate for victims’ rights.

On behalf of Director Robert S. Mueller, III, the FBI is pleased to present the Director's Community Leadership Award to Ann Dugger. The presentation will take place during a ceremony to be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2008, at the FBI's Jacksonville Field Office, located at 7820 Arlington Expressway, Suite 200. Members of the media interested in attending are asked to contact Special Agent Westcott at the above telephone number.