John E. Childress Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana held its annual Law Enforcement Awards ceremony on May 16, 2025, at the Indiana War Memorial & Museum in Indianapolis. The event took place during National Police Week and recognized over 90 law enforcement officials from various federal, state, and local agencies who played pivotal roles in significant cases concluded in 2024.
John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, remarked on the importance of acknowledging these professionals: “This event is a small token of our appreciation for the time, dedication, and teamwork it takes to investigate a case and bring the worst offenders to justice. The pace, complexity, and scope of the investigations brought in the Southern District of Indiana are a true testament to the quality of our partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.” He added that it was meaningful to honor their efforts during National Police Week.
Among those honored were members from several key agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation-Indianapolis; Homeland Security Investigations; IRS-Criminal Investigation; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department; Carmel Police Department; Fishers Police Department; Anderson Police Department; Muncie Police Department; Clarksville Police Department; Brownsburg Police Department; Beech Grove Police Department; Evansville Police Department; Lawrence Police Department; and Montgomery County Probation Office.
Several specific awards were presented during the ceremony:
- **Outstanding Collaborative Investigation**: Recognizing efforts involving multiple agencies. Awarded to U.S. v. Keith Jones et al., and U.S. v. Romero et al.
- **Project Safe Childhood Shield of Innocence**: For extraordinary assistance to victims of child exploitation crimes. Awarded to U.S. v. Stan Hayes.
- **L.E.A.T.H Heroism Award**: Presented for commitment in pursuing justice under dangerous circumstances related to domestic violence cases. Awarded to U.S. v. Cody Steele.
- **Investigative Excellence Award**: For complex evidence analysis contributing significantly to justice missions. Cases awarded include U.S. v. Tuong Quoc Ho, U.S. v Adediran et al., and Enas Said v United States.
- **Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice**: Acknowledging achievements in crime prevention and community safety enhancement through collaboration across various government levels awarded to U.S.v Cortez Venable et al.
- **Community Impact**: Given for cases with widespread positive impacts on communities awarded to U.S.v Jamarr Hill et al., and U.S.v Hendricks County.
- **Outstanding Agency Service**: Highlighting contributions towards fulfilling justice department missions awarded specifically against Marquel Payne's case.
The ceremony underscored ongoing collaborative efforts between different law enforcement bodies ensuring community safety throughout Indiana while celebrating notable successes from previous year investigations.
