Public Safety
Peppler's new focus: helping crime victims
|
By LAUREN GENTILE
Capital News Service
LANSING – The newest member of the Crime Victim Services Commission is ready to help the commission continue to serve victims.
Brian Peppler, the Chippewa County prosecutor, is replacing Wayne County Prosecutor Kim Worthy. The commission oversees compensation to victims. In 2010-11, the program paid $5 million directly to cover medical bills, lost earnings and support, burial payments and counseling. “We will continue to give these awards and help victims get the money they need,” Peppler said. “I feel that I am ready to help making sure money is available for compensation. We help budget the money we give out and plan to get restitution (from convicted defendants) once cases are closed.”
The commission also awards grants to local government and nonprofit agencies, including county prosecutors, to fund services that directly benefit victims. The money comes from the federal government.