Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb awarded long-time Allen County Prosecutor Karen Richards a Sagamore of the Wabash in the waning days of her tenure. The award is an honor bestowed by the governor’s office recognizing leadership and service.
Richard’s Chief Deputy Prosecutor and Prosecutor-elect Michael McAlexander presented her with the award Monday evening. According to a press release, Former State Representative Randy Borror and current Senator Travis Holdman worked with the governor’s office to secure the award.
Richards was the first woman to serve as a deputy prosecutor in the criminal division of the Allen County Prosecutor’s office when she was first hired in 1981.
She was also the first woman elected to the office when she won the race for the seat in 2003.
Under her leadership, the prosecutors office formed a sex crimes unit. She was also instrumental in forming the Child Mortality Review Team and the Dr. Bill Lewis Center for Children, a place for forensic interviews of children who may be experiencing abuse.
Richards is retiring at the end of the month.
