County Judge approves $700K grant for cybercrime victim support initiative

In a recent El Paso County Commissioners Court meeting held on July 10, 2025, significant discussions centered around the approval of a $700,000 grant aimed at enhancing cybercrime victim support and supervision. This initiative, funded by the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women, is set to run from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2028, with no required county match.

The grant, presented by Norma Winn from the budget and finance department, is designed to address the complexities of cybercrimes, particularly those involving family violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Christopher Ray from the criminal justice coordination department elaborated on the grant's objectives, emphasizing the need to capture and supervise offenders who utilize technology to commit crimes. This includes a public information campaign to educate rural communities about reporting such violations and providing law enforcement with digital tools to gather evidence.

The funding will also support a position within the district attorney's office to coordinate these efforts and facilitate training for law enforcement and community members. This comprehensive approach aims to improve the response to cyber-related offenses and enhance victim protection.

In addition to the grant discussion, the court addressed a separate item regarding the use of Chapter 59 funds to supplement salaries for six employees in the district attorney's office, amounting to $10,000 per employee for the remainder of the fiscal year. This funding is part of a broader strategy to ensure adequate staffing and resources within the office.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the grant and salary supplements, reflecting the court's commitment to addressing the evolving challenges posed by technology in criminal activities and supporting the personnel necessary to combat these issues effectively. As the county moves forward, the implementation of these initiatives will be closely monitored to assess their impact on community safety and justice.