Joe Burkard, Paulding County Prosecutor, announced a position being moved into his office – Victim’s Advocate. It just so happens that Cierra Moran has been hired in to take this position. Moran graduated from Defiance High School in 2010 and then from Bluffton University in 2014. Her parents live in Hicksville and she resides in Paulding with her husband, Jacob.
Previously, Cierra Moran worked at the Paulding County Sheriff’s office as a Dispatcher for 2.5 years and a Deputy for about 2 years. She then worked at a factory for a few months in Butler before coming back to work in the county.
The position of Victim’s Advocate was previously in the Paulding Municipal Court, under Judge Suzanne Rister, but is now in the Prosecutor’s Office.
A Victim’s Advocate is exactly what the title sounds like. Moran explained how she has been on the front side of initial confrontations and she is now ready to help those who have been hurt in these situations in a different way. She will help with emotional support, emergency services, court appearances, and more.
Burkard stated, “Cierra is a person who puts 110 percent into her work. She has a passion to assist people who are in need, and her law enforcement experience is a plus when working in the Court system. She is a great addition to our team here at the Paulding County Prosecutor’s office.”
This position is paid for by two grants and 20% match by the Municipal court.
The Victims Assistance Unit will carry out the special needs of the crime victims/survivors and their right to be treated with compassion, respect and dignity. A victim assistance advocate is a person who works and acts as a support/liaison to victims of crime by offering a variety of services and help between the courts and law enforcement. Assistance will be available immediately after the crime occurs or is reported. She will also help guide the victim through the legal process each step of the way. In Paulding County Cierra can be reached at 419-399-4476.
