Criminal Justice Commission

Minutes of the Meeting of March 18, 2021

The Honorable Andrew J. McDonald, Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:12 a.m. In accordance with Executive Orders issued because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was conducted by electronic conference (ZOOM software).

In addition to Justice McDonald, participating in the meeting were: The Honorable Melanie L. Cradle, attorneys Robert Berke, Reginald Dwayne Betts, Scott Murphy and Moy Ogilvie and Chief State’s Attorney Richard J. Colangelo, Jr.

Attorney Murphy moved to accept the minutes of the February 11, 2021 meeting. Attorney Ogilvie seconded the motion and it passed 6-0 with Attorney Berke abstaining.

Attorney Berke moved to enter into executive session to interview candidates for Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney in the Appellate Bureau in the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney. Judge Cradle seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The executive session began at 9:13 a.m. Also present were Deputy Chief State’s Attorney of Operations Kevin D. Lawlor, Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Bruce Lockwood and Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist Janice duFrend.

The executive session ended at 1:31 p.m. Justice McDonald announced that no motions were made or votes taken during the executive session. Attorney Murphy moved to appoint Meryl R. Gersz and Nathan J. Buchok as Deputy Assistant State’s Attorneys in the Appellate Bureau in the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney. Attorney Betts seconded the motion and it passed unanimously on a voice vote.

The Commission discussed the scheduling of future interviews at upcoming meetings, including scheduling discussion of the reappointments of the Chief State’s Attorney and Deputy Chief State’s Attorney for Operations. Justice McDonald recommended that those reappointments be discussed at the May 13, 2021 Criminal Justice Commission meeting.

There being no further business, Attorney Betts moved to adjourn the meeting. Attorney Murphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously on a voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 1:42 p.m.