Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting

Minutes of the Meeting of October 18, 2021

The meeting was called to order at 12:48 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; Deputy Chief State’s Attorney for Personnel, Finance and Administration John J. Russotto, Deputy Chief State’s Attorney, Inspector General Robert J. Devlin, Jr., State’s Attorneys Margaret E. Kelley (Ansonia/Milford), Maureen Platt (Waterbury), Stephen J. Sedensky III (Danbury), Paul J. Narducci (New London), Joseph T. Corradino (Fairfield), Sharmese L. Walcott (Hartford), Brian W. Preleski (New Britain), Michael A. Gailor (Middlesex), Paul J. Ferencek (Stamford/Norwalk), and Anne F. Mahoney (Windham).

Also present: Executive Assistant State’s Attorneys John P. Doyle, Jr., Gail P. Hardy and Brett Salafia, Legislative Liaison Melanie Dykas, Manager of Research and Planning Kyle Baudoin and Director of Communications Alaine Griffin.

State’s Attorney Sedensky noted that he was present at the September 20, 2021 Chief State’s Attorney Meeting but the minutes did not reflect his attendance. Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo said Director of Communications Griffin would correct the minutes. State’s Attorney Kelley moved to accept the amended minutes of the September 20, 2021 meeting. State’s Attorney Walcott seconded the motion and it passed 16-0 with Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Devlin, who was absent from the September 20, 2021 meeting, abstaining.

Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo welcomed Deputy Chief State’s Attorney, Inspector General Devlin to the meeting. Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Devlin then spoke about his new role at the Division.

Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo reported no significant developments at the Division due to the COVID-19 pandemic. State’s Attorney Kelley reported that the Ansonia/Milford Judicial District would be resuming jury trials but said the judge assigned to the Derby courthouse would report to Milford Superior Court, causing delays in Part A business. Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo told State’s Attorney Kelley he would inquire with the Judicial Branch about the matter. 

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported on the budget, saying there were still a number of unfilled vacancies. He said the Division’s Human Resources Department was continuing to process a wave of new employees. Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo reported that increased storage for large volumes of body-worn camera evidence was highlighted during recent discussions about mid-term budget adjustments.

Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo reported that a Legislative Committee meeting would be held on October 22, 2021, and he reminded State’s Attorneys to submit ideas for legislation for the upcoming session to Legislative Liaison Dykas.

Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo said training for supervisors would be held on November 10, 2021, as well as on December 2, 2021 and December 3, 2021. Training for Deputy Assistant State’s Attorneys is scheduled in 2021 for December 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15.

Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Doyle provided updates on issues at the state forensic lab, saying due to a large volume of cases, prosecutors should notify the lab when pending cases with evidence at the lab are resolved. He said all communication between the Division and the lab is documented.

Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo provided an update on the new sentence modification form. State’s Attorney Preleski noted that the state Judicial Branch previously ran form changes by the State’s Attorneys. State’s Attorney Colangelo said the Division is reviewing whether inspectors and investigators with the Division are required to wear state-mandated body-worn cameras.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto discussed a grant opportunity for the Division from the Herbert and Nell Singer Foundation in cooperation with the Center for Court Innovation. The Division’s creative efforts to respond to an ever-changing criminal justice system and its continued efforts to deliver more effective and fair justice caught the attention of the Singer Foundation.

There being no further business, State’s Attorney Gailor made a motion to adjourn. State’s Attorney Corradino seconded the motion and it passed without opposition. The meeting was adjourned at 1:38 p.m.