Team SAO4 Honored for their Work with Victims of Crime

During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Jacksonville Mayor’s Victim Assistance Advisory Council recognized outstanding individuals and organizations who went “above and beyond their daily responsibilities on behalf of crime victims and victims’ rights.”

Of the five award categories, the State Attorney’s Office is honored to be recognized in three.

• County Court Director John Kalinowski was awarded the Criminal Justice Advocate, given to an individual who has demonstrated sensitivity and responsiveness to victims’ rights. Kalinowski oversees the office’s misdemeanor division and undertakes cases involving vehicular homicides. He has been with the office since August 2001.

• Victim Advocate Karina Gasca was honored as Outstanding Victim Advocate. Gasca joined the office in 2021 following her longtime service to the U.S. Navy. In her role as victim advocate, she works in the Targeted Prosecution unit assisting victims of violent crime.

• Barbara Walker was honored as the 2023 Courageous Victim. Walker was introduced by Assistant State Attorney Jackie Blair, who prosecuted Walker’s ex-husband in 2023. In 2022, Walker’s then estranged husband brutally attacked her in their home, stabbing her numerous times while their children were home. Walker survived and testified against her husband, who was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to life in prison.

“These awards are a testament to the individual and collective efforts of everyone at the State Attorney’s Office in pursuing justice,” said State Attorney Melissa Nelson. “We are honored to have these outstanding individuals representing the office.”