APAAC David R. White Excellence in Victim Advocacy Prosecutor Award Recipients

The Pima County Attorney’s Office proudly nominates Lacee Collins for the David R. White Excellence in Victim Advocacy Award. Lacee, a prosecutor assigned in the Special Victims Bureau, tried fifteen jury trials in 2024, involving some the most complex and emotionally charged cases tried by the office. Most of the cases involved vulnerable members of our community and young children. Many are very difficult as they involve delayed reporting of horrific past abuse reported by the victims. Lacee is an incredibly hard-working and empathetic prosecutor. Her work with some of the most vulnerable victims to gain their trust and confidence, has allowed her to obtain as much closure as they could obtain through the criminal justice system. Lacee’s dedication to her victims and her drive for justice make her a worthy candidate for this award..

In his role prosecuting complex fraud cases at the Attorney General’s Office, Carmine Mediate is a strong and effective advocate for victims. He takes the time to meet with victims, actively listens, and fights to address their concerns. Because of Carmine, victims of crime feel heard and empowered, ultimately mitigating their anxiety and fears about the criminal justice system. He takes the time to ensure victims understand the decision-making process in criminal matters, and he understands the importance of restitution for victims’ healing. In one case, he worked to help victims recover over $2 million dollars – before sentencing. Because Carmine was able to encourage defendants to pay so much restitution, the court instituted new procedures which now allow for future victims to receive restitution more expeditiously. Carmine’s approach is genuinely victim-centered and reflective of how prosecutors should treat victims of crime.

For sixteen years, Tai Summers has devoted herself to the protection of vulnerable victims and the prosecution of the worst offenders: those who physically and sexually abuse children and adults. Tai spends countless hours with her victims, gaining their trust, building their confidence, and preparing them for the crucible of trial. Tai is a master of legal research; constantly revising our legal stock regarding victim rights, other act evidence, and new legislation; and leading the office’s efforts to ensure that victims receive the fullest protection of the law. Tai uses her skill in argument to tremendous effect in the courtroom, leading her trial team to victory in multiple cases this past year, including a man who was tormenting young foster girls and the brutal rapist of a sixteen-year-old girl who waited ten years for justice. Tai is dedicated, compassionate, and relentless.

Lacee Collins has been a prosecutor with the Pima County Attorney’s Office since 2017. She is currently assigned to the Special Victims Bureau, where she prosecutes sexual offenses committed against adults and children, as well as child physical abuse cases. She works with victims on a daily basis, spending countless hours gaining their trust and helping prepare them to testify in court. During the last year, Ms. Collins handled several serious cases that required total dedication to the pursuit of justice for special victims. Ms. Collins genuinely cares about the office and the victims served, and works to encourage law students and others to see the value of the role of the prosecutor. She is a mentor to newer prosecutors and is an excellent role model.

Michael Powell and Terisha Driggs proved while re-trying a child molestation case during a global pandemic that anything is possible so long as your relationship with the victim and their representatives is solid. The re-trial in this case was caused by a member of the media publishing the identity of a juror mid-trial. The victim had to go through the trial process twice. Ms Driggs and Mr. Powell showed dedication, thoughtfulness, and compassion for the victim and carefully guided her and her family to yet another just guilty verdict.

Assistant Attorney General Shawn Steinberg is a remarkable voice for all the crime victims she represents. She deserves special recognition for her work with the victim’s family in a murder case involving two defendants who frequently committed home-invasions in an attempt to steal drugs. Ms. Steinberg worked closely with the victim advocate and the next of kin to craft plea agreements that would reflect the nature of the case, the defendants’ criminal histories and relative involvement, and ensure justice for the victim was achieved.

During her 14 years as a prosecutor, Victoria “Vicki” Otto has been a stalwart champion for victims of auto theft, violent crime, homicide, domestic violence, sexual assault, and child sexual crimes. Currently assigned to the Special Victims Unit, Ms. Otto works with the most traumatized victims, spending countless hours gaining their trust and helping prepare them for what lies ahead. She successfully prepared and tried numerous, multiple-victim child sexual abuse cases, including a burglary-molestation by a stranger and two multiple-victim, multi-generational, serial child sexual abuse trials. These tremendously complex cases required total dedication to the pursuit of justice, accountability, and empowerment for special victims.

Ethan Wolfinger has been a prosecutor in Yavapai County for 30 years. He is a caring, compassionate prosecutor who strives for justice for the victims of the crimes he prosecutes. No matter the crime, Mr. Wolfinger makes sure to learn about the impact on the victims and does his best to seek justice on their behalf. Given the length of his career and the depth of compassion, there are, no doubt, countless victims who, to this day, remember the crucial role Mr. Wolfinger played in helping them get through a difficult time in their lives and how he made them feel.