TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt today announced the appointment of Allen County Sheriff Thomas R. Williams as a member of the Crime Victims Compensation Board (CVCB).

“Tom Williams is a well-respected career law enforcement officer,” Schmidt said. “His wide range of experience in law enforcement and working with crime victims will be a great asset to the board. I thank him for his willingness to serve.”

Williams was elected sheriff of Allen County in 2004 and took office in January 2005. He began his law enforcement career in his hometown with the Arkansas City Police Department and then served 20 years in the Kansas Bureau of Investigation prior to being elected sheriff. Williams also teaches criminal justice classes at Allen County Community College.

Schmidt appointed Williams to a term on the CVCB ending March 15, 2014. His nomination must be confirmed by the Kansas State Senate.

The three-member CVCB provides victims with financial assistance for loss of earnings and out-of-pocket loss for injuries sustained as a direct result of violent crime. This includes reasonable medical care, mental health counseling or other services needed as a result of injury. In the event of death of the victim, reasonable medical expenses and the partial cost of a funeral, burial or cremation is reimbursable. The Crime Victims Compensation Board is organized within the Attorney General’s Office.