Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting

Minutes of the Meeting of October 16, 2017
Office of the Chief State’s Attorney
Rocky Hill, Connecticut

Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane called the meeting to order at 12:38 p.m.

In attendance were: Deputy Chief State’s Attorneys Leonard C. Boyle and John J. Russotto; State’s Attorneys Richard J. Colangelo, Jr. (Stamford/Norwalk), Matthew C. Gedansky (Tolland), Patrick J. Griffin (New Haven), Kevin D. Lawlor (Ansonia/Milford), 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 Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Eugene Calistro (Middlesex) and Louis Luba, Jr. (Windham).

Also present: Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Michael A. Gailor, Legislative liaison Wilfred Blanchette, Jr., and Communications and Legislative Specialist Mark A. Dupuis.

State’s Attorney Shepack made a motion to accept the minutes of the September 18, 2017, meeting. State’s Attorney Sedensky seconded the motion and it passed with no opposition.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported that the Governor had announced a new budget proposal that appropriates approximately $49 million to the Division, although the proposal also includes significant holdback/lapse authority. The Division has rehired four per diem prosecutors to assist with infractions cases and is continuing to address staffing needs amid ongoing budget constraints. There was discussion of previous budget implementing language that would prohibit the courts from setting cash-only bonds. It was agreed such bonds are appropriate in some cases.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto asked all State’s Attorneys to report (1) all police departments in their Judicial Districts that are utilizing or planning to utilize body cameras; (2) the vendor they are utilizing; and (3) how they are storing the recorded footage. The Division is examining issues of concern and the need to provide access to the recorded material in a uniform fashion statewide. Concern was expressed about potential Freedom of Information issues and the ultimate responsibility that rests with the prosecutor with regard to video evidence. Legislative liaison Blanchette suggested that concerns be put in writing and forwarded to Chief State’s Attorney Kane and Middlesex State’s Attorney Peter A. McShane, who have been appointed to the task force established pursuant to Public Act 17-225 to examine the use of body-worn recording equipment by state and municipal police.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported that the advisory committee for the Case Management System will meet October 19. The committee is in the initial stages and expects to make a presentation to the State’s Attorneys in November. The list of members of the advisory committee will be sent to the State’s Attorneys who are asked to encourage participation and recommend additional members as necessary.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Boyle reported on the new form being utilized by federal authorities for their revived asset forfeiture process. The form should be checked to indicate that assets sought under the federal program can still be subject to forfeiture under state law.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Boyle requested that all motions filed on behalf of bail bondsmen seeking relief from forfeiture of bail bonds be forwarded to the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney for action.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Boyle reported that the State’s Attorneys will be receiving invitations to the unveiling of a portrait of Chief State’s Attorney Kane. Chief State’s Attorney Kane expressed his appreciation.

Chief State’s Attorney Kane reported that the FBI New Haven Division will sponsor "Community, Cops and Culture" on October 28, 2017, at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven. State’s Attorney Griffin volunteered to speak on behalf of the Division.

There being no further business, State’s Attorney Sedensky made a motion to adjourn. State’s Attorney Colangelo seconded the motion and it passed without opposition. The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.