Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting
Minutes of the Meeting of January 25, 2016
Office of the Chief State’s Attorney
Rocky Hill, Connecticut
The meeting was called to order at 12:37 p.m. by Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane.
In attendance were: Deputy Chief State’s Attorneys Leonard C. Boyle and John J. Russotto; State’s Attorneys Michael Dearington (New Haven), Patricia M. Froehlich (Windham), Matthew C. Gedansky (Tolland), Gail P. Hardy (Hartford), Kevin D. Lawlor (Ansonia/Milford), Maureen Platt (Waterbury), Brian Preleski (New Britain), Michael L. Regan (New London), Stephen J. Sedensky III (Danbury) and John C. Smriga (Fairfield); and Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Eugene Calistro (Middlesex), Maureen Ornousky (Stamford/Norwalk) and Terri L. Sonnemann (Litchfield).
Also present: Executive Assistant State’s Attorneys Brian Austin, Jr., and Michael A. Gailor, legislative liaison Wilfred Blanchette and Communications and Legislative Specialist Mark A. Dupuis.
State’s Attorney Sedensky made a motion to accept the minutes of the December 14, 2015, meeting. The motion was seconded by State’s Attorney Froehlich and passed unanimously.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane introduced Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Timothy J. Sugrue of the Appellate Bureau for a discussion of a draft advisory memorandum to police departments regarding the application of Section 29-35 (b) of the General Statutes as amended by Public Act 15-216. Another draft will be circulated for review before the memorandum is made available to police.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane introduced Guy M. Vallaro, Ph.D., Director of the Division of Scientific Services, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). Dr. Vallaro and staff gave a presentation on proposed changes in procedures and policies at the forensic science laboratory. Additional input will be sought from other interested parties after which a summary will be circulated for additional comment before any changes are implemented.
State’s Attorney Lawlor and Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Gailor volunteered to serve as a committee to review statutes governing the retention of blood and urine evidence and concerns regarding the continued validity of such evidence.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Boyle introduced Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa E. Patterson and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Michele Lukban of the Appellate Bureau for a discussion of the continuing implications of Supreme Court decisions on the sentencing of certain juvenile defendants. The State’s Attorneys are urged to seek stays when motions to correct an illegal sentence are filed. The Appellate Bureau has resources to assist. Executive State’s Attorney Austin reported that a training program is planned for February.
Executive State’s Attorney Gailor introduced Assistant State’s Attorney Kathryn W. Bare of the Appellate Bureau for a presentation regarding questions of whether provisions of “Raise the Age” legislation concerning transfer of cases from the juvenile docket to the regular docket of the Superior Court are retroactive. Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Francis J. Carino (Juvenile Matters) also participated.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto introduced DCJ Information Technology Manager Evelyn L. Godbout for a presentation on the next phase of the development of the case management system. The State’s Attorneys as a group will now be designated as the steering committee for the project. State’s Attorney Smriga made a motion, seconded by several, for the Division to proceed to the design phase of the project. The motion carried without opposition. Chief State’s Attorney Kane expressed appreciation to the Information Technology Unit for its work on this project.
Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Gailor reported that the Connecticut State Police wiretap unit is again in operation following equipment problems.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane acknowledged that State’s Attorney Froehlich has submitted her intention to retire. The Chief State’s Attorney thanked State’s Attorney Froehlich for her many years of service. State’s Attorney Hardy volunteered to succeed State’s Attorney Froehlich as the State Director of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA). There was no objection and State’s Attorney Hardy was appointed.
Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Austin reported that the Annual Professional Development Conference for Prosecutors will be held Monday, June 13, 2016. The associated training sessions in the Judicial Districts will be scheduled for June 22, 2016, or June 23, 2016.
State’s Attorney Russotto reported on salary increases approved by the Office of Policy and Management and Department of Administrative Services for Division managers.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:35 p.m.