Criminal Justice Commission

Legislative Office Building
Hartford, Connecticut

Minutes of the Meeting of June 20, 2022

The Honorable Andrew J. McDonald, Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m.

In addition to Justice McDonald, participating in the meeting were: The Honorable Melanie L. Cradle, attorneys Robert Berke, Scott Murphy and Moy Ogilvie and Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin. Also present was Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist Janice duFrend.

Attorney Ogilvie moved to accept the minutes of the May 12, 2022 meeting. Judge Cradle seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Justice McDonald said the Commission was to consider the reappointment of Deputy Chief State’s Attorney for Administration, Personnel and Finance John J. Russotto. He invited Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto to make opening remarks. After brief opening remarks, the Commission interviewed Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto beginning at 9:10 a.m. The interview ended at 9:45 a.m. Justice McDonald stated that pursuant to statute, the Chief State’s Attorney does not participate in the appointment of the Deputy Chief State’s Attorneys.

Justice McDonald then said the Commission was to consider the appointment of State’s Attorney, Judicial District of New Britain. At 9:48 a.m., Justice McDonald invited Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Brett J. Salafia to make opening remarks. After the remarks, the interview began and ended at 11:06 a.m. After a short recess, Justice McDonald invited Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Christian Watson to make opening remarks at 11:13 a.m. The opening remarks and interview ended at 12:07 p.m.

After a lunch recess, the Commission resumed its public meeting at 12:45 p.m. and interviewed the following attorneys for the appointment of State’s Attorney, Judicial District of New Haven: Senior Assistant State’s Attorney David R. Applegate, Executive Assistant State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr., Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Stacey Miranda and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Craig P. Nowak.

At 4:55 p.m., the interviews ended and public comment began. Four individuals provided public comment. When the speakers finished at 5:14 p.m., Justice McDonald reviewed the sign-up list in an effort to assure that all who had signed up were given the opportunity to speak.

Justice McDonald thanked members of the public for their patience and for participating in the meeting. He said the Commission also is considering written testimony that was submitted.

Judge Cradle moved to enter into executive session to discuss the reappointment of the Deputy Chief State’s Attorney for Administration, Personnel and Finance, the appointments of State’s Attorney, Judicial District of New Britain and State’s Attorney, Judicial District of New Haven, and the consideration of Special Deputy Assistant State’s Attorneys and a Special Inspector. Attorney Ogilvie seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The executive session began at 5:15 p.m.

The executive session ended at 5:58 p.m., and at that time, Justice McDonald announced that no motions were made or votes taken during the executive session. Justice McDonald thanked all the candidates for their participation in the Criminal Justice Commission meeting and for their service to the State of Connecticut.

Attorney Ogilvie moved to reappoint John J. Russotto as Deputy Chief State’s Attorney for Administration, Personnel and Finance for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2022. Judge Cradle seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. Justice McDonald thanked Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto for his longtime service to the State of Connecticut, including his service as Acting Chief State’s Attorney twice since December 2019.

Attorney Murphy then moved to appoint Christian Watson as State’s Attorney, Judicial District of New Britain, for a new eight-year term that was set to expire on June 30, 2022. Attorney Ogilvie seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Justice McDonald moved to appoint John P. Doyle, Jr., as State’s Attorney, Judicial District of New Haven, for the remainder of the eight-year term, which expires on June 30, 2025. Attorney Murphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

In other business, Attorney Ogilvie moved to appoint David Edwards as Special Inspector. Judge Cradle seconded the motion and it passed 5-0, with Attorney Berke abstaining.

There being no further business, Attorney Ogilvie moved to adjourn the meeting. Judge Cradle seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.