News  Worcester Juvenile Assistant Chief Probation Officer Alouneny Le is presented with six-year gold sobriety medallion by former probationer

Once a person completes their probation, Probation Officers may hear from them again—mostly when they re-offend—or not at all.

Therefore, Worcester Juvenile Assistant Chief Probation Officer Alouneny Le was pleasantly surprised when she was contacted by a young man, Anthony Boudas, whom she formerly supervised when she was a Juvenile Probation Officer. ACPO Le was even more surprised when the former juvenile probationer, who is now in his late 20’s, traveled from his home in Georgia to present her with his six-year gold sobriety medallion.

“As a Probation Officer, we have challenging work that we do and rarely do we see the result right away. I chose this profession not for the fame or glory. I just wanted to make a difference and help young people and their families. When this young man reached out to me and wanted to meet and just say thank you, I was taken back,” said ACPO Le. “When he gave me the sobriety gold coin, it was an honor. Overall, this event was PRICELESS.”

Mr. Boudas said when he was on probation years ago, he never imagined that he would have the desire to contact his former probation officer. As the years have gone by and he has become more reflective, he said he realized the huge influence ACPO Le had on him. ACPO Le supervised Mr. Boudas as a youthful offender.

“I remember vividly really disliking the courts and probation. What I did not realize at the time was that Ms. Le and Judge Carol Erskine were not just holding me accountable for my actions, but were saving my life," he said. "Fast forward to today, I am celebrating nearly seven years of being free of drugs and alcohol and nearly seven years free of arrests and crime."

Today, Mr. Boudas is a Senior Account Executive for a software company. He said he returned to Massachusetts recently to present ACPO Le with the six-year gold medallion to thank her.

“I truly believe had they not locked me up when they did, my life would have escalated to worse crimes or possibly death. The second reason is as a living amends to them and the victims who I have encountered in the past. I am walking proof that no matter what happens in your life, you can affect change and be better if you put in the work.’’

Mr. Boudas added, “The final reason is to show them that seven years ago both Ms. Le and Judge Erskine took a chance on me by allowing me to pay my fines and start my life. My life would most likely not be where it is today had they not given me that shot.”

ACPO Le said, “I wanted to share my story with other Probation Officers and Probation Departments that there is light at the end of the tunnel. We may not see the result right away. We may feel like they are not listening to us. But, just being there for them makes a difference. When no one shows up for their graduation, but that PO is sitting there cheering them on when they walk across that stage…. They will remember.”

Are you a Probation Officer with a story you would like to share? Please contact Coria Holland at coria.holland@jud.state.ma.us Cell: 617-429-5629