Press Releases
06/10/2022
Criminal Justice Association Bestows Annual Awards to Division of Criminal Justice Prosecutors, Staff
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Southington, CT) -- The Connecticut Criminal Justice Educational and Charitable Association held its Eighteenth Annual John M. Bailey Memorial Scholarship & Awards Dinner on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at the Aqua Turf in Southington, Connecticut.
Three 2022 Oliver Ellsworth Prosecutor of the Year Awards were presented to Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Stephen Carney, Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Thomas DeLillo and Assistant State’s Attorney Marissa Goldberg of the Judicial District of New London for their exemplary work in the matters of State v. Sergio Correa and State v. Ruth Correa, the successful prosecutions of a brother and sister convicted of the murders of Kenneth and Janet Lindquist and their son, Matthew.
As noted in the nomination, the three prosecutors “exhibited tireless dedication in the preparation and trial of an extremely complex case and their professionalism exemplified the best of what prosecutors should strive to be.”
The 2022 Kevin T. Kane Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Stephen J. Sedensky III, State’s Attorney for the Danbury Judicial District. Considered a pioneer in the investigation and prosecution of child abuse, State’s Attorney Sedensky began his distinguished career at the Division of Criminal Justice working on the front lines of the State’s Attorney’s Office in Bridgeport. He later served in the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney where he became Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney for the Statewide Prosecution Bureau before becoming State’s Attorney in Danbury.
State’s Attorney Sedensky has distinguished himself in numerous areas and on many cases, notably conducting the investigation into the shootings of 26 children and teachers at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, including a determination of whether the shooter acted alone. He is a national leader in the area of child abuse investigations and prosecutions, pioneering the Finding Words program in Connecticut and serving for many years as Co-Chair of the Governor’s Task Force on Justice for Abused Children.
The 2022 Employee of the Year Award was presented to Inspector Herbert Johnson of the Judicial District of Ansonia/Milford for his actions in an incident that is yet another reminder that Division of Criminal Justice Inspectors are sworn law enforcement officers on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
On October 12, 2021, Inspector Johnson was traveling home from work when he came upon a serious incident involving a Connecticut State Police Trooper attempting to apprehend a highly intoxicated man who had stolen a tractor trailer. Some 10 vehicles were damaged by the driver. Inspector Johnson assisted in the apprehension of the suspect, who had attempted to wrest away his duty weapon posing imminent threat to Inspector Johnson, the trooper and others. Through his quick response and effective actions, the incident was brought to a close with no loss of life or serious injury.
At the dinner Thursday, Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin presented an award from the Division of Criminal Justice recognizing Connecticut Police State Trooper Horatio Hinds for his “outstanding service above and beyond the call of duty” in assisting Inspector Johnson in the October 12, 2021 incident.
Two 2022 Special Recognition Awards were presented to Tracy Cretella, Clerical Supervisor in Geographical Area No. 23 in New Haven and Anthony Duarte, Investigator in Geographical Area No. 12 in Manchester.
Tracy Cretella, who is retiring this year, is the clerical supervisor in one of, if not the busiest courthouses in the state. Prior to coming to G.A. 23, she had already distinguished herself as the lead clerical in G.A. No. 7 in Meriden where she began her career at the Division. Throughout her career, she has been routinely described by her supervisors and coworkers as an exemplary employee always ready to assist others and take on large tasks.
Anthony Duarte, who will retire this year after 36 years with the Division of Criminal Justice, is known not only for his many contributions as Investigator in Manchester and previously at G.A. No. 15 in New Britain, but also for his never-ending dedication and commitment to improving working conditions for all Division of Criminal Justice Employees through his long association with the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Council 4. He has also brought honor and good will to the Division of Criminal Justice through service in his community.
The Connecticut Criminal Justice Educational and Charitable Association, which was created by members of the Division of Criminal Justice, provides scholarships to the sons/daughters of those who have served in law enforcement or who intend to pursue a career in law enforcement or juvenile justice. At the dinner, five scholarships were awarded in the name of former Chief State’s Attorney John M. Bailey, one in the name of retired Juvenile Prosecutor Francis J. Carino, and another in the name of Inspector Racheal Cain and her husband Christopher.
For more information about the awards and scholarships, visit the Connecticut Criminal Justice Educational and Charitable Association’s website: ccjeca.org.