The following awards will be announced during the Summit:
- Community Advocate of the Year;
- Law Enforcement Official of the Year;
- Prosecutor of the Year; and
- Survivor Advocate of the Year.
While the pandemic has changed the format of our Summit and the lives of many Floridians, human trafficking remains a devastating reality in our state, nation and worldwide.
I am extremely grateful for the continued dedication of the many advocates who are committed to ending human trafficking and providing vital resources to survivors of this form of modern-day slavery. The efforts of the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking would not be possible without these remarkable members of our community.
If you know someone dedicated to our mission of ending human trafficking, please consider submitting a nomination so we can celebrate their efforts. Award nominations should be submitted to OAGHT.Summit@MyFloridaLegal.com.
For more information on the nomination process and award criteria, click here.
I look forward to joining thousands from across our nation virtually on Oct. 6 as we announce the winners and continue our collaborative work to end human trafficking and build a Stronger, Safer Florida.
In The News
Florida Attorney General Announces Nomination Period for 2020 Human Trafficking Summit Awards, Space Coast Daily
Ashley Moody Reaches Kickback Settlement With Pharmaceutical Company, Florida Daily
Grant scams cheating those trying to pay hospital bills during COVID-19 pandemic, WFTV Orlando
Satellite Beach Police Chief Jeff Pearson Sworn in as President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association, Space Coast Daily
Calhoun County Sheriff Sergeant And Deputy Receive Award From Florida Attorney General, WFSU Public Media
Protecting Floridians
BACK THE BLUE ALERT: Attorney General Moody Recognizes Calhoun County Sergeant, Deputy and Running 4 Heroes, Inc. for Service Over Self
Attorney General Ashley Moody announced two new Back the Blue Award recipients from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Colby Beck, a first responder recently injured while stopping an active shooter, and Deputy Reese Dew who rushed to administer first aid to the injured officer. Attorney General Moody’s first Back the Blue Award winner and Running 4 Heroes Inc. founder, Zechariah Cartledge, presented the officers with the awards. Along with Attorney General Moody’s Back the Blue Award, Zechariah presented Sgt. Beck with $7,500 from the Running 4 Heroes Injured First Responder Grant. Running 4 Heroes is a non-profit organization with a mission to raise funds for injured first responders and pay tribute to fallen first responders through running.
In February 2019, Attorney General Moody presented Zechariah the first ever Attorney General Back the Blue Award, for his support of law enforcement and commitment to honor fallen heroes nationwide. Zechariah, 10-years-old at the time, began running one mile for each law enforcement officer and firefighter lost in the line of duty and began raising funds for those injured in the line of duty in 2019.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “It is an honor and privilege to recognize the efforts of Calhoun County Sergeant Colby Beck and Deputy Reese Dew. Sergeant Beck’s heroic response undoubtedly saved many lives through his discipline and courage in the face of an active shooter, sustaining injuries himself to protect others. Deputy Dew’s quick response helped save Beck’s life. I am proud to recognize these two heroes and thrilled our first-ever Back the Blue Award winner Zechariah Cartledge was able to present them with the awards.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Secures Multistate Multimillion-Dollar Action Against Pharmaceutical Company
Attorney General Ashley Moody announced a multistate, multimillion-dollar agreement against a national pharmaceutical company. Florida is one of 15 states, along with the federal government, settling allegations of kickback violations against Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc., d/b/a Pacira, a developer and manufacturer of pharmaceutical products based in Parsippany, New Jersey. Pursuant to the settlement terms, Pacira will pay $3.5 million plus interest, to Florida, the U.S. government and 14 additional states.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Providing kickbacks to increase the sale of a product is unethical and illegal. This crooked scheme to make a dishonest profit not only violated federal statutes, it included falsified claims to the Florida Medicaid program—ripping off taxpayers in the process. I’m proud to join the U.S. government and 14 other states in bringing restitution and recoveries to those affected by this kickback scheme.” Read More