FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS ADVISORY
June 30, 2017
Steve Marshall
For More Information, contact:
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Alabama Attorney General
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Page 1 of 2
ATTORNEY GENERAL STEVE MARSHALL APPLAUDS PRESIDENT TRUMP’S
APPOINTMENT OF ALABAMIAN DARLENE HUTCHINSON BIEHL TO LEAD US DOJ
OFFICE OF VICTIMS OF CRIME
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Steve Marshall applauded President Donald Trump’s
appointment of Alabama crime victims advocate Darlene Hutchinson Biehl as Director of the
Office of Victims of Crime at the U.S. Justice Department.
“Darlene Hutchinson Biehl is well known as a tireless advocate for crime victims’ rights in
Alabama and nationwide,” said Attorney General Marshall. “She has an extensive background
in fighting for those victimized by violent crime, ensuring they are given a voice in the criminal
justice system.
“Over my 16 years as a prosecutor, I have worked closely with Darlene to protect the rights of
crime victims and I know President Trump made the right choice in appointing her to lead the
US DOJ Crime Victims Office. In January, the Alabama District Attorneys Association
unanimously passed a resolution supporting Darlene’s appointment as OVC director, as many
of them have also worked closely with her across the state. I look forward to continuing this
partnership with Darlene to expand the rights of those targeted by violent crime.”
Hutchinson Biehl first became aware of the needs of victims and the inadequacies of the
criminal justice system after a stranger kidnapped her at gunpoint from a post office at the age
of 20. Blindfolded and bound, she escaped on the second day and led police to the offender,
who pleaded guilty to kidnapping and rape and served 20 years in prison.
Hutchinson Biehl offered the following comment on her presidential appointment. “I am so
incredibly honored to be chosen for this role and appreciate President Trump and Attorney
General Sessions giving me this opportunity to serve. I have admired the work of OVC for
many years and am eager to be a part of this team as we serve victims and the service providers
who assist them. Over the past 20-plus years, I’ve gotten to know so many survivors and have
witnessed their grief and frustrations. They have each left an imprint on me. I strive daily to
make the system a bit more gentle for each survivor affected by violence. By empowering
survivors with meaningful and enforceable rights and resources, and encouraging their
participation in the justice system, we can hold offenders accountable and make our
communities safer.”
501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov Page 2 of 2
The White House announcement noted Darlene Hutchinson Biehl’s strong record of crime
victim advocacy spanning at least two decades:
“Ms. Hutchinson has been a crime victims’ advocate more than 20 years, working extensively
on legislation and public policy, teaching at police academies, and accompanying victims of all
types to court and parole hearings. Ms. Hutchinson’s volunteerism includes 10 years with rape
crisis centers in Montgomery, Alabama, and Collin County, Texas, as well as seven years as
president of a victims’ support and advocacy group. Simultaneously, Ms. Hutchinson worked
25 years in publishing, including eight years as the editor of law enforcement publications in
Alabama, Washington, D.C., and Texas. Plus, she served nearly 6 years as the Communications
and Media Director for the Dallas Bar Association. She has received many awards for her
dedication to empowering survivors and protecting their rights, while enhancing public safety.
Ms. Hutchinson has played a key role in the development of Alabama’s innovative victim
notification system, as well as the passage and ratification of a Victims’ Constitutional
Amendment in Alabama. A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Ms. Hutchinson holds a bachelor’s
degree in Journalism from Troy State University.”
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