As Part of Freedom 250 Celebration the United States Attorney Announces Hometown Hero Award

BOISE - U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced that Bonneville County Sheriff's Detective Korey Payne was selected as the recipient of Idaho's "Hometown Hero" Award. Detective Payne was selected for his extensive work combating child exploitation.

As part of the Freedom 250Links to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. initiative celebrating America's 250th birthday, the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Idaho recognized Detective Payne for his exceptional efforts to protect children and his dedicated service to the community. Detective Payne is a Bonneville County Sheriff's detective and is assigned to Idaho's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. During his nearly two decades of experience in law enforcement, Detective Payne led or played a major role in hundreds of investigations that resulted in the identification and prosecution of offenders who sexually exploited children. Beyond investigative work in his own cases, he mentored and trained other investigators and devoted countless hours to teaching parents and children internet safety practices to prevent child exploitation and victimization.

"Protecting our vulnerable children is among the highest priorities for the United States Attorney's Office and our collective law enforcement community," said U.S. Attorney Davis. "Without the outstanding work of Detective Payne, many of these crimes would go unsolved and additional children would be victimized. His experience, expertise, and commitment to protecting

children truly makes him a hero for our community and our state. As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, we also recognize Detective Korey Payne and the many other law enforcement officers, first responders, and public servants whose daily work helps protect our communities and safeguard the freedoms we enjoy in this great nation."

"As a member of my Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Korey does some of the hardest work in all of law enforcement," said Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador. "He has confronted what others look away from, built the cases that hold offenders accountable, and brought a rare combination of skill, relentlessness, and compassion to every investigation. On behalf of the State of Idaho, congratulations to Korey on this well-earned recognition."

To recognize Detective Payne, U.S. Attorney Davis provided him with a letter of commendation, a commemorative Hometown Hero medallion, and a United States Attorney's Office challenge coin.

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