Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting

Minutes of the Meeting of June 23, 2014
Office of the Chief State’s Attorney
Rocky Hill, Connecticut

The meeting was called to order at 12:36 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),  Peter A. McShane (Middlesex), Brian Preleski (New Britain), Michael L. Regan (New London), Stephen J. Sedensky III (Danbury), David Shepack (Litchfield) and John Smriga (Fairfield); and Deputy Chief State’s Attorneys Leonard C. Boyle and John J. Russotto.

Also present: Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Brian Austin, Jr., Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney John R. Whalen, legislative liaison Wilfred Blanchette, Communications and Legislative Specialist Mark A. Dupuis.

State’s Attorney Sedensky made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 19, 2014, meeting. The motion was seconded by State’s Attorney Cohen and passed unanimously.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported the Division is still awaiting notice from the Office of Policy and Management on details of scheduled 2014 salary increases for the Division’s senior management.

Chief State’s Attorney Kane reported that Attorney Hakima Bey-Coon of the Office of the Victim Advocate will be acting Chair of the Victim Rights Enforcement Advisory Commission upon the resignation of Victim Advocate Garvin G. Ambrose. Chief State’s Attorney Kane will keep the State’s Attorneys apprised of the commission’s proceedings.

Legislative liaison Wilfred Blanchette reported on the 2014 session of the General Assembly. The State’s Attorneys are welcome to submit recommendations for potential legislation in the 2015 session.

State’s Attorney Froehlich cited Connecticut General Statutes section 54-56d as one area for possible legislation. State’s Attorney Smriga reported that a task force is already examining the issue.

Chief State’s Attorney Kane stressed the importance of using the new “in rem” process included in Public Act 14-233 to pursue the forfeiture of instrumentalities of crime. A training memorandum and appropriate forms will be distributed by the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.

Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Whalen of the Statewide Prosecution Bureau reported that the Judicial Branch will again authorize the “Smart Bus” entity to operate in the state. The State’s Attorneys are asked to report any concerns or  problems to Attorney Whalen.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Boyle reported that the income to the asset forfeiture fund from asset forfeiture proceedings has dropped significantly. A greater emphasis is needed in Geographical Area (G.A.) courts to pursue asset forfeitures. The State’s Attorneys were asked to follow up and assess the situation in their G.A. locations.

Chief State’s Attorney Kane reported on concerns in the Judicial District of Waterbury regarding the responsibility for costs of storing motor vehicles held as evidence. The State’s Attorneys were asked to review the situation, which may require legislative action.

Chief State’s Attorney Kane reported the process is under way to choose successors to Human Resources Specialist Susan Claus, who will retire July 1, 2014, and Director of Financial Services Catherine Trentini, who will retire August 1, 2014. The State’s Attorneys noted the contributions of both long-term employees.

Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Austin thanked all for their contributions to the Annual Professional Development Conference for Prosecutors. All prosecutors who have not met their 2014 training requirements will be notified individually. The State’s Attorneys are encouraged to offer suggestions for training opportunities for all employees throughout the year.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported that training for clerical employees will be offered on August 6, 2014, and August 26, 2014.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported on progress toward securing a Case Management System for the Division.

State’s Attorney Cohen made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by State’s Attorney Sedensky and passed unanimously at 1:50 p.m.