The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is currently observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) with a focus on their recent criminal cases involving victims. In an official statement, the office has adopted the theme 'Connecting Healing' for this year's commemoration, running from Sunday through Saturday. The aim is to emphasize the importance of empathy and support within the community, promoting the idea that kinship begins with victim advocacy. As reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office, the office's team, which operates within a jurisdiction spanning over 68 counties, is committed to ensuring victims of crimes receive necessary resources and representation.
Federal crimes, ranging from white-collar offenses to drug and violent crimes, are equally prioritized as threats to the community in the district. Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman conveyed a firm message, stating, "Federal crimes against victims will not be tolerated in this district—regardless of whether they are violent crimes, drug crimes, or white collar," she added, "It is a priority of our prosecutors, our victim assistance specialists, and the entire Department of Justice, that we advocate in the best interests of victims and that crime victims have access to proper effective resources," according to the press release.
The office highlighted several cases, including the conviction of Saint Jovite Youngblood, who received a 40-year federal prison sentence for defrauding 32 victims of over $12 million through wire fraud and money laundering schemes. Notably, Bailey Warren Lowe, a former U.S. sailor, was sentenced to life in federal prison for crimes involving the coercion and enticement of a minor. Furthermore, Isaac Ramirez Carrasco received a 30-year sentence for carjacking and firearm offenses, while Alex Georges Tannous faced 20 years for swindling more than $2 million through wire fraud. Most recently, David Manuel Garcia was sentenced for engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place, resulting in the birth of two children with an underage individual.
To mark NCVRW 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is encouraging staff and community members to show support by wearing the theme colors of "midnight," "mauve," and "melon" on Thursday and engage online using the hashtag #NCVRW2025 and tagging @USAO_WDTX on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Additionally, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) will host a candlelight vigil tomorrow, streamed live, to honor crime victims and those working in victim advocacy.
