Criminal Justice Commission

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Minutes of the Meeting of January 23, 2023

The Honorable Andrew J. McDonald, Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m.

In addition to Justice McDonald, participating in the meeting were: The Honorable Melanie L. Cradle, Attorneys Robert Berke, Reginald Dwayne Betts and Moy Ogilvie and Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin.

Attorney Ogilvie moved to accept the minutes of the December 19, 2022 meeting. Attorney Betts seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Justice McDonald said the Commission was to interview candidates for one position of Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney in the Office of the State’s Attorney, Judicial Districts of Fairfield/Stamford, Housing Matters; one position of Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney, Judicial District of Litchfield, G.A. 18, Torrington; one position of Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney, Judicial District of New London, G.A. 10, New London; and consideration of one position of Special Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney, Judicial District of Waterbury. 

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney of Operations Kevin D. Lawlor, Litchfield State’s Attorney David R. Shannon, New London State’s Attorney Paul J. Narducci and Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist Janice duFrend were present to participate in the interviews of candidates for Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney.

Attorney Berke moved to enter into executive session to discuss candidates for the positions. Attorney Ogilvie seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The executive session began at 9:08 a.m.

The executive session ended at 1:56 p.m. Chief State’s Attorney Griffin announced that no motions were made or votes taken during the executive session. Attorney Ogilvie moved to approve Raymond Savoy for a conditional appointment as Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney in the Office of the State’s Attorney, Judicial Districts of Fairfield/Stamford, Housing Matters. The appointment will be effective upon the Chief State’s Attorney certifying to the Commission that the individual selected has successfully completed a background check and that no adverse findings were found in the background check which would call into question the fitness and suitability of the individuals selected to serve as prosecutorial officials within the Division of Criminal Justice. Judge Cradle seconded the motion and it passed 5-0, with Justice McDonald not present for the vote. 

Attorney Ogilvie moved to approve Collin Cowdery for conditional appointment as Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney, Judicial District of Litchfield, G.A. 18, Torrington. The appointment will be effective upon the Chief State’s Attorney certifying to the Commission that the individual selected has successfully completed a background check and that no adverse findings were found in the background check which would call into question the fitness and suitability of the individual selected to serve as a prosecutorial official within the Division. Attorney Berke seconded the motion and it passed 5-0, with Justice McDonald not present for the vote.

 Attorney Ogilvie moved to approve Kaila Calling for conditional appointment as Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney, Judicial District of New London, G.A. 10, New London. The appointment will be effective upon the Chief State’s Attorney certifying to the Commission that the individual selected has successfully completed a background check and that no adverse findings were found in the background check which would call into question the fitness and suitability of the individual selected to serve as a prosecutorial official within the Division. Attorney Betts seconded the motion and it passed 5-0, with Justice McDonald not present for the vote.

 Attorney Betts moved to approve Kassie DeFala for conditional appointment as Special Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney, Judicial District of Waterbury. The appointment will be effective upon the Chief State’s Attorney certifying to the Commission that the individual selected has successfully completed a background check and that no adverse findings were found in the background check which would call into question the fitness and suitability of the individual selected to serve as a prosecutorial official within the Division. Attorney Ogilvie seconded the motion and it passed 5-0, with Justice McDonald not present for the vote.

 There being no further business, Attorney Ogilvie moved to adjourn the meeting. Judge Cradle seconded the motion and it passed 5-0 with Justice McDonald not present for the vote. The meeting adjourned at 1:59 p.m.