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April/May 2024 | maconmagazine.com 35 my Hutsell, a cold case closer and justice- seeker, moved to Macon in 2020 after over 30 years in InTown Atlanta. Drawn in by the peaceful, natural setting of a home on Lake Tobesofkee after the COVID-19 pandemic, with an easy commute to Criminal Justice Coordinating Council offices in Atlanta, Hutsell says that Macon offers "the best of both worlds." So Amy, what made you fall in love with Macon? I tell people in Atlanta that Macon has everything Atlanta has, just on a smaller scale! I love the restaurants in downtown Macon. My friends in Atlanta come to town just to go to Dovetail. The cultural events and music scene in Macon leave absolutely nothing to be desired. But Macon has an added element of intrigue about it that you can't tune in to unless you spend time here and study Macon's history. There is a special kind of magic in Macon if you take the time to understand it. How would you describe the work of the program you direct? I work for the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, which is an executive branch agency in our state government. My focus is the worst of the worst crimes – sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking, and sexually motivated homicides. My team and I provide resources, technical assistance, and training to law enforcement and victim services providers to help address the unique challenges associated with responding to these crimes. We are subject matter experts and the funder for victim-focused agencies statewide, including several here in Macon. It's a heavy line of work. What fuels you to continue? I'm passionate about supporting the front-line responders who routinely answer the call to help someone in need. I did it myself for about a decade, and I know how hard it can be. For example, I have worked very closely with the Bibb County Sheriff's Office on two cold case homicides here in Macon associated with our country's most prolific serial killer, Samuel Little. Captain Shermaine Jones and Major Eric Woodford were great collaborators in matching Little's confessions to our Macon cases. Captain Jones and I traveled to Wise County, Texas, to interview Little. We used forensic genetic genealogy to identify one of the victims, who was previously known as Macon Jane Doe. We gave Macon Jane Doe her name back, provided answers to her family, and returned her remains to Macon, where she rests peacefully. That's tremendously rewarding work, and it's a privilege to be able to help facilitate that kind of healing. How can Central Georgians support your work and the people you advocate for? The victim-serving non-profit agencies here in Macon that I work with are exceptional. The general public doesn't always know the work that is happening behind the scenes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by these agencies. Crisis Line and Safe House and The Crescent House, for example, are state and federally-supported agencies that are very well run, and in compliance with state and federal standards. However, the funding that has been provided by the federal government has decreased significantly. These agencies rely on private donations to continue operating. Is there a myth you'd like to bust? What myth, and why? There is a mistaken belief by some that open-mindedness and tolerance are more prevalent in big cities. At least in Macon's case, I think the opposite is true. This community is diverse, inclusive, and respectful of differences. While no community is perfect of course, Macon should be very proud of the way it rallies around all its citizens and does its best to acknowledge the wrongs of the past, many of which happened all across the South. Any favorite local places or events? I love that there is always something going on in Macon – and that events are representative of different interests and cultures. For live music, I like what Moonhanger Group was able to do with Grant's Lounge. They maintained the historic feel of the legendary venue and upgraded it, so it is one of the best places to see live music in the South. I also really love the creative chef offerings at Pearl Passionate Cuisine and Cocktails. What are you most excited about in Macon's future? One Safe Place, the Family Justice Center, opening in 2025, will be the flagship in Georgia. It will save lives and help transform the community. Victim-serving non-profit agencies will co-locate there and provide services to family violence victims, child abuse victims, and sexual assault victims – all in one place. Across the country, we have seen these types of programs decrease crime rates in the communities they serve. We have supported this project 100% from its inception, and I'm thrilled to see it come to life. It will be located in the South of Poplar district in Downtown Macon, and also contribute to the revitalization of that area. A For 24/7 support, call Crisis Line & Safe House at (478) 745-9292. A live, local Advocate will answer. Donations for Crisis Line & Safe House or the Family Justice Center can be made via their website at cl-sh.org. Crescent House accepts donations through the Navicent Health Foundation.