From left to right: Elizabeth Jankord, Abby Stark, Krysten McGillis, Kathleen “Kate” Cashman, Kimberly Fletcher, Carson Kober, Hjerda McAllister, Cheryl McCabria. Each were among a group of Riley County sexual assault survivors recognized this week by the Kansas Attorney General's Office. (Photo courtesy Kansas Attorney General's Office)
Officials from the Kansas Attorney General’s Office this week honored nearly two dozen sexual assault survivors from Riley County for their service to crime victims.
“The award winners have demonstrated extraordinary acts of service in helping crime victims navigate really challenging circumstances,” Attorney General Kris Kobach said. “Providing justice to crime victims is more than prosecuting the offenders. Justice includes listening when others turn away, acting when intervention is critical, and advocating for those who feel they have no voice.”
The survivors, known as the “19-plus” received the Community Champion Victim Service Award at the 28th annual Kansas Crime Victims’ Rights Conference, held in Wichita. The group advocated for a change in law following the August 2025 conviction of former Manhattan chiropractor Clark Petersen on 51 counts of sex crimes against patients.
From left to right: Elizabeth Jankord, Abby Stark, Krysten McGillis, Kathleen “Kate” Cashman, Kimberly Fletcher, Carson Kober, Hjerda McAllister, Cheryl McCabria. Each were among a group of Riley County sexual assault survivors recognized this week by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. (Photo courtesy Kansas Attorney General’s Office)
The awardees pose with Rep. Sydney Carlin (far left). (Photo courtesy Kansas Attorney General’s Office)
Abby Stark speaks on stage at the 28th annual Crime Victims’ Rights Conference in Wichita. (Photo courtesy Kansas Attorney General’s Office)
The awardees pose on stage with Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach at the 28th annual Crime Victims’ Rights Conference in Wichita. (Photo courtesy Kansas Attorney General’s Office)
Elizabeth Jankord speaks at the 28th annual Crime Victims’ Rights Conference in Wichita. (Photo courtesy Kansas Attorney General’s Office)
Kate Cashman speaks at the 28th annual Crime Victims’ Rights Conference in Wichita. (Photo courtesy Kansas Attorney General’s Office)
Cheryl McCabria speaks at the 28th annual Crime Victims’ Rights Conference in Wichita. (Photo courtesy Kansas Attorney General’s Office)
Krysten McGillis speaks at the 28th annual Crime Victims’ Rights Conference in Wichita. (Photo courtesy Kansas Attorney General’s Office)
