Montgomery County, Indiana — Probation Officer Brenda Payne and Probation Officer Lindsey Villalpando of the Montgomery County Probation Department have been honored with the 2025 United States Attorney Award for Project Safe Childhood Shield of Innocence, in recognition of their exceptional service, vigilance, and dedication to protecting vulnerable populations.
The Project Safe Childhood Shield of Innocence Award is presented by the United States Attorney’s Office to individuals who have provided extraordinary assistance to victims of federal crime. This includes offering direct and ongoing emotional support and encouragement that often extends beyond regular duty hours; a commitment to helping victims become whole; securing restitution; thoughtful analysis in large-scale victim cases; and addressing complex legal and emotional issues in victim-centered work.
Probation Officer Brenda Payne, with 16 years of service, and Probation Officer Lindsey Villalpando, with 13 years of service, were recognized not only for their long-standing commitment to probation supervision but also for their pivotal role in uncovering a dangerous sexual predator during the course of their duties. Their careful attention to detail, dedication to community safety, and thorough investigative work led to the discovery of a probationer involved in serious criminal activity. As a result of their efforts, the individual was prosecuted and ultimately sentenced to 90 years in federal prison.
Their actions exemplify the mission of Project Safe Childhood, which aims to combat child exploitation and abuse through a coordinated, multi-agency approach. The officers’ work ensured justice was served and provided critical support to victims throughout the process.
“We are incredibly proud to recognize Probation Officers Brenda Payne and Lindsey Villalpando,” said Andria Geigle, Chief Probation Officer. “Their efforts directly protected children and helped bring a dangerous offender to justice. Their integrity, professionalism, and compassion set a powerful example of what public service should be.”