Evergreen Reporter

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is acknowledging National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) from April 6 to April 12, 2025, by highlighting several recent criminal cases involving victims. This year's NCVRW theme, "Connecting Healing," emphasizes the importance of creating connections among survivors, advocates, and communities to promote healing. The annual event calls for ensuring resources are available to all survivors and for extending empathy and support to them.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, which covers 68 counties across central and western Texas, has a team dedicated to providing necessary services and support to crime victims. "Federal crimes against victims will not be tolerated in this district—regardless of whether they are violent crimes, drug crimes, or white collar," states Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman. She emphasizes the importance of advocating for victims’ interests and ensuring they have access to effective resources.

Among the cases highlighted is that of Saint Jovite Youngblood, sentenced to 40 years in federal prison in Austin for wire fraud and money laundering. Youngblood defrauded 32 victims for over $12 million by falsely claiming to offer protection from a Mexican drug cartel. He was ordered to pay restitution.

In Waco, former U.S. sailor Bailey Warren Lowe received a life sentence after being found guilty of coercing and enticing a minor to produce sexually explicit material. Lowe exploited a 13-year-old girl using Snapchat and engaged in sexual activity with her. An FBI investigation revealed similar abuses involving other young victims.

Isaac Ramirez Carrasco of Odessa was sentenced to 30 years for carjacking and a firearms offense. In January, Carrasco carjacked a couple at gunpoint. Authorities later apprehended him with the vehicle and weapon.

Alex Georges Tannous, who lived in Ain-Akrine, Lebanon, was sentenced in San Antonio to 20 years for wire fraud. Posing as a Dubai prince, Tannous deceived his victims out of more than $2 million. He was ordered to pay restitution as well.

David Manuel Garcia was sentenced to over 15 years for engaging in illicit sexual conduct in Mexico. Between 2003 and 2008, Garcia coerced a minor into sexual acts leading to childbirth. The victim was 13 and later 15 years old at the time of the offenses.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office commemorates NCVRW with activities throughout the week, encouraging employees to wear theme colors on April 10. Community members are invited to show support using the hashtag #NCVRW2025 on social media. Additionally, the Office for Victims of Crime will host a Candlelight Vigil on April 9, which can be viewed online.

The NCVRW, first observed in 1981, honors crime victims, raises awareness of rights and services, and recognizes those who support victims.

For more information on supporting crime victims, visit the Office for Victims of Crime's website.