Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) announced multiple grants from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) for Sedgwick County and the City of Newton, as well as the State of Kansas.

“I’m grateful that the Department of Justice is aiding state and local governments to ensure public safety for all Kansans,” said Rep. Estes. “This funding focuses on improving both our law enforcement and victim services so that our justice system can be more robust in serving our communities.”

Sedgwick County will receive an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for $370,543 to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime, including local initiatives, training, personnel, and equipment. The City of Newton will also receive a JAG grant for $10,376.

In addition, $750,000 in funding will be provided to the Wichita Children’s Home from the DOJ Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Program. This funding will expand the services provided by the Wichita Children’s Home, which is the only remaining residential program for minor human trafficking victims in the State of Kansas.

The State of Kansas will receive more than $14 million from the Crime Victims Fund to improve access to victim services across the state. This funding is typically distributed to community-based organizations that provide direct services to crime victims.

The State of Kansas was also awarded $39,839 through the DOJ’s Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) program to prevent, detect and respond to sexual abuse and harassment in confinement facilities.

Additionally, the State has been awarded $36,125 as part of the DOJ’s John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Grant Program to provide education assistance to public defenders and local and state prosecutors who commit to extended employment.