Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting
Minutes of the Meeting of September 20, 2021
The meeting was called to order at 12:31 p.m. by Chief State’s Attorney Richard J. Colangelo, Jr. The meeting was conducted remotely utilizing Zoom software in accordance with directives issued by the Governor because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also present: Deputy Chief State’s Attorney for Operations Kevin D. Lawlor; State’s Attorneys Margaret E. Kelley (Ansonia/Milford), Paul J. Narducci (New London), Joseph T. Corradino (Fairfield), Dawn Gallo (Litchfield), Brian W. Preleski (New Britain), Michael A. Gailor (Middlesex), Patrick J. Griffin (New Haven), Paul J. Ferencek (Stamford/Norwalk), Matthew C. Gedansky (Tolland), Stephen J. Sedensky III (Danbury), Maureen Platt (Waterbury) Sharmese L. Walcott (Hartford) and Anne F. Mahoney (Windham).
Also present: Executive Assistant State’s Attorneys John P. Doyle, Jr., Gail P. Hardy, and Brett J. Salafia and Legislative Liaison Melanie Dykas and Director of Communications Alaine Griffin.
State’s Attorney Gallo moved to accept the minutes of the August 16, 2021 meeting. State’s Attorney Narducci seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo introduced the Division’s new Director of Financial Services, Aurore Ziegwied, to the State’s Attorneys.
Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo reported on the Division’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the resumption of jury trials in the Judicial Districts.
Regarding the budget, Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo reported that the Division would be seeking funding for a position in each Judicial District to assist with entering data into the Case Management System. He said funding also would be needed for positions to review, manage and store an anticipated increase in body-worn and dashboard camera videos used in criminal cases.
Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo asked the State’s Attorneys to submit ideas for legislation and other items in need of discussion for an upcoming Legislative Committee Meeting.
State’s Attorney Gallo reported on the development of policies by the Operations Committee, including a policy on sentencing modifications. State’s Attorney Preleski reported that the Management Committee would be meeting to discuss social media for the Division. Regarding the Training Committee, it was reported that the four-day “boot camp” in September for Deputy Assistant State’s Attorneys would be held at a later date due to construction at the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office in Rocky Hill.
Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo said that the Criminal Justice Commission would be meeting on September 27 to interview and select the Deputy Chief State’s Attorney, Inspector General.
Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Hardy reported that she would be submitting the report on Human Trafficking on October 1 to Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, chair of the Trafficking in Persons Council.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Lawlor said training on how to enter data into the complaint database would be held on September 30. He reported that the state Sentencing Commission is considering modifying the state’s sex offender registry and recommended that the Division develop a position on the matter.
State’s Attorney Narducci congratulated State’s Attorney Mahoney on her volunteer effort in bringing the state’s first "Bench by the Road" to a museum in Canterbury.
Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo reported that peer review sessions would be held at the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney in Rocky Hill.
There being no further business, State’s Attorney Sedensky moved to adjourn. State’s Attorney Platt seconded the motion and it passed with no one in opposition. The meeting adjourned at 1:26 p.m.