A Message from Commonwealth's Attorney DAVE STENGEL

R. David Stengel

Dear Friends:

It is an honor to serve Metro Louisville (Jefferson County) as Commonwealth's Attorney, the Chief elected law enforcement agent in the county.  I am proud to represent the Commonwealth, and therefore, each of you, in criminal actions against those who choose not to follow society's laws. Effectively fighting crime is my overriding concern. As chief felony prosecutor, I believe the full weight of our efforts should go toward eradicating crime and doing justice. The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is eager to work with each of you in any effort effecting that end.

Those who violate our laws will be prosecuted fully - you should expect no less. The rights of victims and witnesses are essential to the proper balance of the scales of justice. To achieve victory in this battle, each of us must do our part. It is imperative that both victims and witnesses take an active part in prosecution.   Police and prosecutors can only do so much - we need your help. Together, we can make Metro Louisville and Jefferson County a safe and secure place to live and raise a family.

R. David Stengel

COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
30TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

MISSION - VISION - VALUES

The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office occupies a critical position in the criminal justice system.  Commonly referred to as the District Attorney in most states, the Commonwealth's Attorney must focus the power of the state on those who defy its laws.   As legal representative for the people, the Commonwealth's Attorney has the duty to seek justice for all.

As a leader of the criminal justice system in Jefferson County, the Commonwealth's Attorney is responsible for felony prosecution in thirteen of the Circuit Courts in the 30th Judicial District. In 2010, the staff of 100, including 48 prosecutors, handled 3972 new felony indictments and closed 6977 cases, making the Jefferson County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office the busiest felony prosecutorial office in Kentucky. Within the Office there are nine different prosecutorial divisions.

The Commonwealth's Attorney is also advisor to the Grand Jury and provides legal advice to the police concerning sufficiency of evidence, warrants and all matters regarding the investigations of crime.  The Commonwealth's Attorney is a lawyer, an administrator, and a public servant with policy-making responsibilities.

On November 28, 2007, Commonwealth's Attorney R. David Stengel received the Carroll M. Redford Award, given to the Kentucky Outstanding Prosecutor by the Commonwealth's Attorney Association. This announcement and presentation was made by Association President Ric Bartley at the Banquet that occurred at the end of the first day of the Association's "Winter" Conference. The award, named after long time Commonwealth's Attorney Carroll M. Redford of Glasgow, recognizes a Commonwealth's Attorney for "best exemplifying the attributes of the ideal prosecutor in fulfilling the duties of his office and in recognition of his diligence and leadership as a public servant and private citizen." This award is extremely prestigious in that it is not awarded on an annual basis, only when prosecutorial achievement demands. This is the first time in several years that it was bestowed.

Among the speakers present at the award ceremony were Attorney General Greg Stumbo, Attorney General-elect Jack Conway and Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham, in addition to many of the state's other Commonwealth's Attorneys and a large number of Assistants from Mr. Stengel's office.

Mr. Stengel twice previously received the award as Outstanding Commonwealth's Attorney - from Attorney General Stumbo in 2006 and from Attorney General Ben Chandler in 1998. Those awards were "in recognition of outstanding service to the citizens of the Commonwealth and the Unified Prosecutorial System."

The Redford award is a significant statewide achievement for which Mr. Stengel was touched and delighted.

Newest support staff members Annette Cook, Jessica Arcuri and Debbie Storch are sworn in on March 19, 2012. We are glad to be able to hire the best to support our prosecutors.

On February 1, 2012, Jefferson Circuit Judge Irv Maze swore in Law Clerk Ben Lowry, standing between Commonwealth’s Attorney Dave Stengel and Judge Irv Maze. Ben is a 2L at Brandeis School of Law at U of L, where he is a scholarship winner and member of the Law Review..

Judge Maze also administered the oath to new Commonwealth’s Detective Mike Sherrard, a veteran law enforcement officer with JCPD, LMPD and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

On November 29, 2011 Mr. William E. “Bill” Burt, Jr. was sworn in as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney. Mr. Burt comes to the office after serving 22 years with the Department of Public Advocacy.

Bill Burt and Circuit Judge Jim Shake

On November 2, 2011Chief Circuit Judge Barry Willett swore in two CAO employees

Commonwealth’s Detective Leigh Ann Janes, shown with Judge Willett, recently retired with the rank of Sergeant from LMPD and is also a US Army veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

James “Aaron” Cooper, also pictured with Judge Willett, is a new Paralegal with the office. Aaron is a graduate of Transylvania University, and he later received a degree in Paralegal Studies from the University of Louisville.

Recently, two valuable members of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office support staff marked their 20th anniversaries. Administrative Assistant Terri Shultz (left) and Records Director Cindy Quigley were treated to an office reception with plenty of fun and food. We hope they are here for another 20 years!

Alice Harris, KCL, CL, is in her fifth year as a Legal Secretary at the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Alice was recently honored by being elected Treasurer of the 2012 Board of Directors of Legal Secretaries International, Inc. at their meeting in Tampa, Florida. We are proud of Alice for her leadership and hard work!

On May 2, 2011 Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Irv Maze swore in Elizabeth Hatchett (left) as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, and Linda Bierman as a Legal Secretary. Joining them is Hatchett’s Division Chief, Tom Van De Rostyne.