Thursday, February 19, 2026 |
Photo – CCSO Badge over county map – Courtesy CCSO
Carbon County’s Victim Witness Program received a passing grade from the state Attorney General’s office.
The mission of the Carbon County Victim Witness Program is to support victims, witnesses, and survivors of crimes by helping them recover physically, emotionally, and financially. The program works to ensure victims are treated with compassion, respect, and sensitivity within the criminal justice system, while upholding the rights guaranteed under the Wyoming Victim and Witness Bill of Rights.
During the February 17th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Alex Bakken announced that Victim Witness Coordinator Loretta Hansen received a letter from the Wyoming Attorney General’s Division of Victim Services. Hansen explained that every year, the state performs a thorough evaluation of the county’s Victim Witness Program, alternating between in person and remote reviews.
The Division of Victim Services evaluates county programs to ensure they are using federal and state funds efficiently and meeting required performance standards. Victim Witness Coordinator Hansen said the Attorney General’s letter states that the Carbon County program has met the agency’s criteria.
The Board of Commissioners praised the Victim Witness Program staff, saying they provide a vital service to the community. Sheriff Bakken added that law enforcement officers often overlook the impact crime has on victims’ lives, and the program’s staff helps ensure those victims are not forgotten.
Sheriff Bakken said keeping the program in compliance with federal and state regulations is a difficult and time‑consuming task. The sheriff thanked Loretta Hansen, Dawnette Spaulding, and Kaylee Ledesma for their work.
The Board of Commissioners said the Victim Witness Program staff consistently go above and beyond in their work to assist crime victims in Carbon County.
