For Immediate Release:
July 15, 2025
For press inquiries only, contact:
Amanda Priest (334) 322-5694
William Califf (334) 604-3230
(Montgomery, Ala.) – Last week, on behalf of Attorney General Steve Marshall, Chief Deputy Attorney General Clay Crenshaw presented the inaugural Carolyn Potter Outstanding Anti-Human Trafficking Service Award, recognizing exceptional leadership and impact in the fight against human trafficking in Alabama.
The award honors an individual or organization that has significantly advanced anti-human trafficking efforts across the state. It is intended to commend admirable service, encourage those working in the field, and inspire others by shining a light on the example set by its recipients.
The award is named in honor of Carolyn Potter, CEO of The WellHouse, a nationally recognized residential program for trafficking survivors located near Birmingham. Under Potter’s leadership over the past decade, The WellHouse has become the largest single-site residential home for survivors of human trafficking in the United States. Potter has spent her career serving vulnerable and oppressed populations, mentoring service providers across the country and abroad. Her visionary leadership and steadfast compassion have had a transformative impact on Alabama’s anti-trafficking response.
The 2025 Carolyn Potter Outstanding Anti-Human Trafficking Service Award was presented to Investigator Jessica Wilson of the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force. Over the past six years, Investigator Wilson has played a leading role in combatting trafficking in her region. In just the past year, she helped execute 63 search warrants and 54 felony warrants and was recently named Exchange Club Officer of the Year in Tuscaloosa.
Beyond her casework, Investigator Wilson is a highly respected trainer for both law enforcement and community organizations, equipping others with the tools needed to identify and respond to trafficking. She was chosen for this award because of her unwavering commitment to protecting victims, both children and adults, and for her persistent advocacy on behalf of survivors. Alabama is stronger because of her service.
The award is part of the continuing work of the Alabama Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance, a statewide initiative led by Attorney General Marshall. The Alliance unites law enforcement, service providers, state agencies, and community stakeholders to develop and implement a coordinated, trauma-informed, victim-centered approach to addressing human trafficking in Alabama.
“Human trafficking is one of the most vile and depraved crimes imaginable, and it requires fierce, compassionate, and relentless defenders to confront it,” said Attorney General Steve Marshall. “Investigator Wilson and Carolyn Potter embody the very best of Alabama in this fight. Their courage and commitment are saving lives, and their work is a model for the nation.”
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