While Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp discussed standard crime data, her prosecutors and the office’s achievements, she focused more on the importance of bringing justice to women and children who are victims of crimes.
“We don’t often get to talk about violence against women,” Wamp said. “We need to talk about it more.”
Wamp addressed the state of the local criminal justice system and the importance of giving a voice to victims during a speech Thursday to the Chattanooga Rotary Club at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
She recalled several major cases throughout her career that emotionally impacted her and represent why she is a prosecutor.
“We talk about criminals. We see their photos,” Wamp said. “We know all about these major offenders across the United States. The victims matter more.”
In one instance, Wamp prosecuted the case of a 13-year-old girl who was raped by a relative, the district attorney said. The girl was developmentally delayed because the father would often keep her home from school to abuse her.
(READ MORE: Hamilton County’s prosecution of child sex abuse crimes has risen significantly)
The 13-year-old took the stand in criminal court and told her truth, Wamp said. Her father, “who has died in prison, luckily,” was found guilty, Wamp said.
“I will never forget the hug that she gave me when she found out that her dad was never going to get out of prison,” Wamp said. “That changes a prosecutor.”
The Tennessee General Assembly last year authorized the death penalty for those who rape children 8 years old and younger, Wamp said.
There is no punishment that is harsh enough, Wamp said, adding she was especially passionate about the issue because there have been cases of aggravated child rape locally in recent months.
“I would love almost nothing more in this office than to seek death for an aggravated child rapist,” Wamp said.
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Wamp referenced the case of Jason Chen, which she has renamed the case of Jasmine Pace, as another example of shining light on the victims rather than the criminals.
Chen brutally murdered his girlfriend, Pace, in November 2022.
Pace was “absolute sunshine” to the people that knew her, Wamp said.
“I’m really grateful that the community watched so closely because this was a case of domestic violence, and we don’t often get to talk about domestic violence,” Wamp said.
All victims of domestic violence in this community got to see that they matter, she said.
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A female community member wrote Wamp a letter, she said, which Wamp read an excerpt from.
The woman wrote that she watched the Pace trial and cried tears of joy when Chen was found guilty. She added that as she learned about what happened to Pace, she was reminded of times like when her ex-boyfriend made her fear for her life or her friend was drugged and raped.
“This is an issue that transcends political affiliations and religious beliefs,” the woman wrote. “In a world where it’s common for women to feel gaslit, insignificant, invisible and less than, you stood up for what is right and brought us closure and justice.”
Wamp said it’s not just the high-profile murder or sex cases that need attention.
It’s the woman robbed at gunpoint leaving her job at CHI Memorial Hospital, Wamp said. It’s the girlfriend in Red Bank who cannot get out of her abusive relationship.
Wamp, while seemingly choked up, said focusing on victims is something she will always continue to do.
Contact Sofia Saric at ssaric@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476.