On February 9, 2018, the Hillsboro Police Department awarded a Notice of Appreciation to Deputy District Attorney Dustin Staten for his prosecution of child abuse cases. DDA Staten was nominated by a group of detectives who worked with him during his time on the DA's office Child Abuse Team (CAT) and who sought to recognize his tireless advocacy for children and dedication to his work.

Describing him as a "pitbull" who always put children first, the detectives explained to the crowd at Meriwether Golf Club that DDA Staten's demands for the best and most thorough police work possible made cases stronger and made them into better investigators. The detectives praised him as hard working, dedicated, and tenacious in prosecuting child abusers, but also caring and compassionate when working with our most vulnerable victims.

DDA Staten worked in the Child Abuse Team from 2012 through 2017;he is now assigned as a prosecutor in the DA's Office Juvenile Division. The DA's Office and our personnel take pride in effective collaboration with our law enforcement and community partners, and we appreciate their recognition and support.