FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BEXAR COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO SERVE ON NATIONAL COMMITTEE

San Antonio, Texas; June 09, 2006: Bexar County District Attorney Susan D. Reed has been appointed by United States Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to serve as a member of the Violence Against Women Advisory Committee chaired by the Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services.

In her letter of appointment the Attorney General said, “By serving on the Advisory Committee, you will have the unique opportunity to work with this Administration to change the attitudes and perceptions surrounding violence against women and help all Americans to understand that these crimes will not be tolerated in our society.”

District Attorney Reed said, “Preventing violence against women is an issue which has been a top priority with me and my administration. I am honored to be given this opportunity to have input not only on our local level but also on a National scope.” It was through the collaboration between the Bexar County District Attorney's Office and the United States Attorney's Office and prosecution under the Violence Against Women Act that Alan Blackthorne was convicted of the murder of quadmom, Sheila Belush. One of the duties of the committee is to provide policy and advice concerning the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act, the Violence Against Women Act of 2000, and the Violence Against Woman and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 and related legislation.

For more information on this press release, please contact: Susan D. Reed, Criminal District Attorney at (210) 335-2311.