PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION

Press Release

November 8, 2004
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Official Honored as a "Children's Champion"

U.S. Homeland Security officer Tommy Ontko, whose actions led to the arrest of Caroline Dickinson's murderer, was honored with a Children's Champion award on November 3, at Number 10 Downing Street, in the presence of the Prime Minister and Mrs. Blair.

Tommy Ontko, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer in Detroit, working for the Department of Homeland Security, helped bring Caroline's Dickinson's killer to justice. In April 2001, Mr.Ontko read a UK newspaper report about Caroline's 1996 unsolved murder, in which Francisco Arce Montes was named as a suspect. On his own initiative, Ontko checked law enforcement databases, and found Montes in Florida, where he had been detained for violent sex offenses. Mr. Ontko's work ultimately led to Montes' arrest and extradition to France, where he was tried and convicted of Caroline's murder in June 2004.

Mr. Ontko was nominated a "Children's Champion" by Sir John Stevens, the Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police, who cited his outstanding contribution to the London Metropolitan Police Department in the resolution of this notorious case. The Children's Champion awards are sponsored by News of the World and Barnardo's, a leading UK children's charity. The award recognizes people who have made a positive difference in the lives of children in the UK.

After receiving his award, Mr. Ontko also met with David T. Johnson, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in London. Mr. Johnson praised Mr. Ontko's professionalism and humanity, which, he said, serve as a reminder of the important work done by the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and border security officers. Mr. Johnson pointed to Mr. Ontko's work as an outstanding example of international cooperation in apprehending criminals, and of the indispensable role played in our nation's security by alert, highly motivated law enforcement professionals.

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