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ATTLEBORO - For two decades in Attleboro District Court, victims of crime have been guided through the often intimidating and confusing world of the criminal justice system by Jan Johnson.

Johnson, the victim-witness advocate for Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter, has been honored for her service at an annual conference in Boston for victim's advocates.

Sutter, who worked closely with Johnson as an assistant prosecutor in the 1990s, said Johnson has handled thousands of cases during her distinguished career.

"She was influential in persuading one of Father James Porter's victims to go public, handled the controversial Attleboro sect case and has touched the lives of thousands," Sutter said.

"She has helped guide victims and witnesses through the sometimes confusing world of the criminal justice system with class and dignity, and has helped numerous victims of domestic abuse get out of their abusive relationships," Sutter said. Johnson began her career under former Bristol County District Attorney Ronald Pina in 1988, continued her service for another 16 years under District Attorney Paul F. Walsh Jr. and is now in her second year with Sutter.

She was honored last week with the Victim Advocate Award during the Massachusetts Office of Victims Assistance annual conference in Boston.

Aside from winning the prestigious Victim Advocate Award, Johnson also received a Length of Service Award. "Jan Johnson is an amazing public servant and is as excellent a victim witness advocate as I have ever encountered," Sutter said.

"She has all of the ingredients required for an outstanding victim witness advocate: knowledge of the criminal justice system, compassion for victims, a great ability to connect with people, common sense - and above all, a relentless work ethic. She truly deserved this award and recognition," Sutter said.

For more information on the Massachusetts Office of Victims Assistance and the annual conference, log on to, www.Mass.gov/mova.