Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting
Minutes of the Meeting of October 17, 2016
Office of the Chief State’s
Attorney
Rocky Hill, Connecticut
Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane called the meeting to order at 12:40 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), Gail P. Hardy (Hartford), Kevin D. Lawlor (Ansonia/Milford), Anne F. Mahoney (Windham); Peter A. McShane (Middlesex), Maureen Platt (Waterbury), Michael L. Regan (New London); and John C. Smriga (Fairfield).
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.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane introduced guests United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Michael J. Gustafson, First Assistant United States Attorney, for an update on the activities of the U.S. Attorney’s office. U.S. Attorney Daly suggested that the State’s Attorneys consider appointing a federal liaison in each Judicial District and participating in outreach activities with the U.S. Attorney’s office.
The meeting was recessed at 1:13 p.m. for the meeting of the State’s Attorneys’ Advisory Board. The meeting resumed at 1:14 p.m.
State’s Attorney Colangelo made a motion to accept the minutes of the September 19, 2016, meeting. Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Boyle seconded the motion and it passed without opposition.
State’s Attorney Platt reported on the Governor’s Working Group to Review Sexual Assault Case Procedures. The State’s Attorneys will be contacted individually to review findings of previously untested sexual assault investigation kits. Each State’s Attorney is asked to notify State’s Attorney Platt with the name of a prosecutor or Inspector to serve as contact person for the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Forensic Science Laboratory with regard to the ongoing review of the previously untested kits. Another survey is anticipated in November to determine the number of untested kits still in custody of police departments.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane and Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported on their meeting with the Office of Policy and Management concerning the $1.7 million in budget holdbacks ordered for the current fiscal year. The Division must find ways to save money; the outlook for the next fiscal year is even worse.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane reported that the Judicial Branch has abandoned its plan to close the Superior Court for Juvenile Matters locations at Torrington and Stamford. The Danbury juvenile court has been closed.
The State’s Attorneys are asked to emphasize the need for Geographical Area (G.A.) court prosecutors to seek asset forfeitures in all appropriate cases.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane reported that the State’s Attorneys’ Legislative Committee will meet following today’s meeting.
There were no committee reports.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane reported on communication from the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. CCDLA will be advised to pursue any specific concerns with the appropriate State’s Attorney.
Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Gailor reported that the Division has requested an extension of the deadline for filing reports on human trafficking pursuant to Public Act 16-71. The required information has been received from the Department of Children and Families.
There being no further business, Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Boyle made a motion to adjourn. State’s Attorney Colangelo seconded the motion and it passed without opposition. The meeting was adjourned at 2:20 p.m.