Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting
Minutes of the Meeting of July 22, 2021
The meeting was called to order at 12:37 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 Administration, Personnel and Finance John J. Russotto; State’s Attorneys Margaret E. Kelley (Ansonia/Milford), Stephen J. Sedensky III (Danbury), Paul J. Narducci (New London), Joseph T. Corradino (Fairfield), Sharmese L. Walcott (Hartford), 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), Maureen Platt (Waterbury) and Anne F. Mahoney (Windham).
Also present: Executive Assistant State’s Attorneys John P. Doyle, Jr., Gail P. Hardy and Brett Salafia, Manager of Research and Planning Ivan Kuzyk, Legislative Liaison Melanie Dykas and Director of Communications Alaine Griffin.
State’s Attorney Gallo moved to accept the minutes of the June 21, 2021 meeting. State’s Attorney Kelley seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo reported on the Division’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including such topics as dwindling case backlogs in the Geographical Areas as courts reopen, in-person vs. remote court hearings and the transport of inmates to the courthouses by the state Department of Correction. Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo said he would continue his ongoing discussions with the state Judicial Branch about pandemic-related court issues and report back to the State’s Attorneys with any important updates.
Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo thanked State’s Attorneys for their assistance with budget-related matters regarding the assignments of Special Deputy Assistant State’s Attorneys. In regard to legislation, Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo said he would be meeting with legislators to discuss juvenile justice matters.
The State’s Attorneys discussed policies currently in the works that reference sentence modifications and videotaping protocols inside the courthouses.
State’s Attorney Preleski encouraged State’s Attorneys to talk to prosecutors about applying for scholarships for upcoming National District Attorneys Association classes. He said the NDAA is in the process of setting up regional advocacy centers and updating national prosecution standards.
Kenya Rutland, principal of KJR Consulting, met with Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo, Deputy Chief State’s Attorneys Lawlor and Russotto and the 13 State’s Attorneys about updating strategic plans for the Division.
There being no further business, State’s Attorney Gedansky moved to adjourn. State’s Attorney Narducci seconded the motion and it passed with no one in opposition. The meeting adjourned at 3:19 p.m.