Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Program provides statutory services to victims and witnesses identified in cases prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California. Headed by a Program Manager in the Sacramento office and an assistant in the Fresno branch office, Victim Witness staff provide information on criminal cases as the case proceeds through the court system. Staff also explain if a victim has a particular right during any stage of the legal proceeding.
Cases that are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney are referred to the office by investigative agencies. Agencies also may have statutory responsibilities to victims and witnesses involved in a particular case. While the investigative agent has a continuing role throughout the case, the U.S. Attorney’s office usually begins its responsibilities to victims and witnesses once federal charges are filed, and the charges are made public. To contact the Victim Witness Program staff, please call Helene Tenette, Victim Witness Program Manager at 916-554-2776, or for Fresno cases, Victim Witness Specialist Nancy Leendertsen at 1-559-497-4055.
Other Contact Information:
TriWest Investment Fraud Victims (within U.S.)- 1-888-873-3480
Victims' Rights Act Text (click here)
The provision of services to crime victims involved in criminal cases prosecuted by the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of California is very important to us. If you have any questions about your rights as a crime victim, please contact Helene Tenette, Victim Witness Program Manager at 916 554 2776 in the Sacramento United States Attorney’s Office or Nancy Leendertsen, Victim Witness Specialist at 559- 497- 4055 if the case is assigned to the Fresno office. If you are a victim and believe you have not been accorded your rights under the Justice for All Act by this office, you may file an administrative complaint, as provided under 28 CFR 45.10. You may request that an administrative complaint form be mailed or faxed to you or you may download the document from this web page below. The administrative complaint should be addressed to John K. Vincent, Chief, Criminal Division, United States Attorney, 501 I St., Room 10-100, Sacramento, CA, and for Fresno cases, Mark E. Cullers, Chief, Fresno Field Office, United States Attorney Office, 2500 Tulare St., Room 4401, Fresno, CA 93721. Administrative complaints must be mailed and may not be transmitted electronically.
COMPLAINT FORMS
Sacramento - Complaint Form (.pdf) 
Fresno - Complaint Form (.pdf)