Courage in Unlikely Places - by Jessica Mimnaugh, Victim Witness Coordinator, Mariposa County District Attorney's Office

Jessica Talks to Local School Children About the Work ADW Ellie Does with the Mariposa County District Attorney’s Office

Every interaction where Ellie is involved, she adds light and tenderness to the situation. In the last year alone and since having Ellie placed, we have seen historic case volume and our trial and hearing schedules alone are going to be keeping us busy into the new year. 

One such story involving Ellie, was her first time testifying with children. In January of this year, she was set to assist to child victims who had been molested by a close family friend, almost an uncle- figure. The girls, ages 7 and 10 testified at the preliminary hearing in front of the defendant with the help of Ellie. We practiced what it would look like in court with each girl and tried to anticipate what might occur at the hearing. When we finally got to the day of hearing, the oldest victim was ready to testify with little help from us. But when the youngest victim took to the steps of our 150-year-old courtroom, she froze on the landing. I had her move just slightly so Ellie and I could make our way up and come alongside her. She quickly looked up at me and started petting Ellie, saying she couldn’t do it and that she was so scared. I told her that Ellie and I were 100% here for her and that we had her back through this all, no matter what happened. With sound resolve, she looked at Ellie and decided to start moving towards the front of the Court. She did it, she testified well and held on to Ellie’s leash for dear life. The younger victim didn’t say anything as she waited and just curled into Ellie’s fur. She and Ellie cuddled the remainder of the afternoon and I think some napping was involved too. 

As an advocate for nine years, I have never seen a miracle happen in court like what happened with Ellie and those girls. Where once I would have seen a girl storm back down the stairs and never testify, with Ellie she found the strength and reassurance she needed to do what no child should ever have to do. These moments alone were absolutely worth every step taken to have Ellie placed with us. 

Ellie has transformed the landscape of direct services to victims of crime in our community. 

Jessica Mimnaugh, Victim Witness Coordinator, Mariposa County District Attorney’s Office