The Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney's Office has been recognized for their exceptional contributions to the enforcement of our nation's laws. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the recipients of the 70th and 71st Attorney General's Awards, honoring Justice Department employees and others for their extraordinary service.
Among the recipients were First Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons, Paralegal Tracy Long, and Victim Witness Coordinators Kellie Wiggins and Iverna Campbell from the Southern District of Georgia. They received the 70th Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service, which is the agency's second-highest award.
The award was presented to the investigation and prosecution team in the Ahmaud Arbery case. U.S. Attorney Steinberg expressed his admiration for the team's dedication and hard work, stating, "The trial and conviction of the three men responsible for the murder of Brunswick, Ga., resident Ahmaud Arbery was a painstaking, arduous journey for these dedicated investigators and prosecutors, and this prestigious award recognizes their accomplishments."
The case involved the investigation and prosecution of three Brunswick men - Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael, and William "Roddy" Bryan - who were convicted of violating Ahmaud Arbery's civil rights. The men targeted Arbery because of his race and pursued him through a Brunswick neighborhood, resulting in his death. Travis and Gregory McMichael were sentenced to life terms in August 2022, while Bryan received a 35-year prison sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Lyons of the Southern District of Georgia, along with Deputy Chief Bobbi Bernstein and Special Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Perras of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
Attorney General Garland commended the recipients of the award, stating, "Each of today's recipients has served with distinction, and in so doing, they have enabled the Justice Department to advance its work on behalf of the American people. Their exceptional leadership, heroism, and dedication have benefited people and communities across the country."
The Attorney General's Awards recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals and teams in upholding justice and protecting the rights of individuals. The Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney's Office has demonstrated their commitment to justice and their tireless efforts in bringing about a measure of justice for the victim's family in the Ahmaud Arbery case.
The recognition of their work serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served for all individuals. The Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney's Office has set an example for others to follow in their pursuit of justice and dedication to the American people.