Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting
Minutes of the Meeting of June 17, 2013
Office of the Chief State’s Attorney
Rocky Hill, Connecticut
The meeting was called to order at 12:44 p.m. by Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane.
In attendance were: State’s Attorneys David I. Cohen (Stamford-Norwalk); Michael Dearington (New Haven); Patricia M. Froehlich (Windham); Matthew C. Gedansky (Tolland); Gail P. Hardy (Hartford); Kevin D. Lawlor (Ansonia-Milford); Peter A. McShane (Middlesex); Maureen Platt (Waterbury); Brian Preleski (New Britain); Michael L. Regan (New London); Stephen J. Sedensky III (Danbury); David Shepack (Litchfield) and John C. Smriga (Fairfield); and Deputy Chief State’s Attorneys Leonard C. Boyle and John J. Russotto.
Also present: Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Michael A. Gailor, Division of Criminal Justice Communications and Legislative Specialist Mark A. Dupuis, and legislative liaison Wilfred Blanchette.
State’s Attorney Sedensky made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 20, 2013, meeting. The motion was seconded by State’s Attorney Lawlor and approved without opposition.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto distributed a memo by Office of Policy and Management Secretary Benjamin Barnes on "Hiring and Contract Guidance – FY2014." The division is awaiting formal notification on the budget and any "holdbacks" ordered by OPM.
Wilfred Blanchette reported on the 2013 legislative session. A summary of highlights of legislation of interest to the Division was distributed. The Division will seek legislation again in the 2014 session dealing with the in rem process.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane introduced guests acting United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Michael J. Gustafson, Chief of the Criminal Division in the Office of the U.S. Attorney. Attorney Daly spoke on assistance that is available from her office. Attorney Gustafson asked that state prosecutors identify in charging documents the specific drugs that are the basis for state narcotics charges to prevent problems with any subsequent federal prosecution of the same defendant. Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Boyle stated the Division will continue to pursue revision of relevant state regulations.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane distributed figures on asset forfeiture collections. The State’s Attorneys will review the figures in an effort to maximize asset forfeiture actions. The Chief State’s Attorney’s office will further refine the data.
Changes proposed by the Judicial Branch regarding Violation of Probation for failure to pay restitution were discussed. The State’s Attorneys opposed the revisions as presented by the Office of Adult Probation.
There was a discussion of the "Brady/Giglio case prep checklist" utilized by the Schenectady, N.Y., district attorney and distributed at the May meeting. State’s Attorney Froehlich will share any additional policies she receives through the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), and the State’s Attorneys’ Operations Committee will further review Brady/Giglio concerns.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported that a technical committee has been established for the continued development and implementation of the case management system. A business committee including prosecutors, Inspectors, Investigators and clerical representation, will review workflow and business processes. Consultants from MTG will make site visits in July to compare written business processes to actual operations.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane will relay to the Governor’s Office concerns regarding the handling of extradition and reward requests submitted to that office.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Boyle reported that Chief Inspector James Hankard is examining alternatives for extradition and prisoner transport duties handled by Division Inspectors.
Final draft revisions to the policy on investigations of the use of deadly force by peace officers were distributed. Approval will be considered at the July meeting.
State’s Attorney Platt alerted the State’s Attorneys to concerns raised about a specific police officer involved in numerous narcotics investigations.
State’s Attorney McShane questioned the process utilized by institutions of higher education for investigation of allegations of sexual assaults on campus. He will circulate information concerning the federal law for review by the State’s Attorneys.
State’s Attorney McShane made a motion to adjourn the meeting. State’s Attorney Preleski seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.