Criminal Justice Commission
Legislative Office Building
Hartford, Connecticut
Minutes of the Meeting of May 12, 2022
The Honorable Andrew J. McDonald, Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.
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.
Attorney Ogilvie moved to accept the minutes of the March 21, 2022 meeting. Judge Cradle seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Justice McDonald announced that in light of the May 12, 2022 special meeting of the Criminal Justice Commission, the regularly scheduled May 16, 2022 Criminal Justice Commission meeting would be canceled.
Justice McDonald said the Commission was to consider the appointment of Chief State’s Attorney and that Dawn Gallo withdrew her application. He invited New Haven State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin to make opening remarks. After brief opening remarks, the Commission interviewed State’s Attorney Griffin beginning at 9:14 a.m. The interview ended at 10:27 a.m.
Justice McDonald declared the meeting in recess at 10:27 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:43 a.m. All members of the Commission were present.
At 10:43 a.m., Justice McDonald invited Hartford State’s Attorney Sharmese L. Walcott to make opening remarks. After the remarks, the interview began at 10:49 a.m. At 12:11 p.m., the interview ended and public comment began. Six individuals provided public comment. When the speakers finished at 12:50 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 participating and said the Commission also is considering written testimony that was submitted.
Attorney Ogilvie moved to enter executive session to discuss the appointment of the Chief State’s Attorney. Judge Cradle seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The executive session began at 12:51 p.m.
The executive session ended at 1:30 p.m. and at that time, Justice McDonald announced that no motions were made or votes taken during the executive session. Justice McDonald thanked Attorneys Griffin and Walcott for their participation in the Criminal Justice Commission meeting and for their service to the State of Connecticut.
Attorney Betts moved to appoint Patrick J. Griffin as Chief State’s Attorney for the unexpired portion of the five-year term ending on June 30, 2026. Attorney Ogilvie seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
In other business, Attorney Berke moved to appoint Helen McLellan as Acting State’s Attorney of the New Britain Judicial District effective May 13, 2022. Attorney Murphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Attorney Berke moved to appoint Kevin D. Lawlor as Acting State’s Attorney of the Danbury Judicial District effective July 1, 2022. Attorney Ogilvie seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Attorney Berke moved to appoint David R. Applegate as Acting State’s Attorney of the Stamford/Norwalk Judicial District effective July 1, 2022. Judge Cradle seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Attorney Berke moved to appoint Lisa D’Angelo as Acting State’s Attorney of the New Haven Judicial District effective May 13, 2022. Judge Cradle seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
There being no further business, Attorney Ogilvie moved to adjourn the meeting. Attorney Betts seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 1:35 p.m.