A Message from
Commonwealth's Attorney DAVE STENGEL |
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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
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COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
30TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
MISSION - VISION - VALUES
Our Mission is To Do Justice.
Our Vision is a criminal justice system in which all parties and participants receive or dispense fair and respectful treatment and the justice that each deserves.
We Value:
Ethics, Integrity, and Justice, which guide our actions;
Professionalism, Teamwork, and Excellence of our prosecutors and support staff;
Hard Work and Dedication to our Mission;
Fairness, Diligence, and Respect to all, including victims, witnesses, judges, defense lawyers, defendants, jurors, law enforcement personnel, clerks, court personnel, deputy sheriffs, probation and parole officers, corrections staff, and all others involved in the criminal justice system; and,
Collaboration and Partnership with other advocates for justice in the system.
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Responsibilities of the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
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 2008, the staff of 102, including 48 prosecutors, handled 3866 new felony indictments and closed over 7911 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. |
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R. DAVID STENGEL Receives Prestigious Honor
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. |
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COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEYS OFFICE PHOTONEWS
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CAO Celebrates Thanksgiving |
For the seventh consecutive year, the Commonwealth's Attorney's office held a "Thanksgiving Dinner Rehearsal Luncheon" in its office. This is a much-anticipated event held the Thursday before Thanksgiving at which staff brings their culinary creations to join a feast of turkey, ham, stuffing and potatoes (paid for by employee donations). Prizes are determined by vote of the staff and are awarded for the best side dish and best dessert. Needless to say, much fun was had by all in this welcome break from our important daily mission. |
 Law Clerks Erin Bravo & Alicia Gomez flank paralegal Liz Hatfield. |
Mr. Stengel greets Cindy Quigley from the Grand Jury. |
 Paul Franke looks for a place to squeeze in another spoonful! |
Frank Dahl (above) won the best dessert award for his chocolate truffles. Tom Van De Rostyne (not pictured) won the best side dish for his cranberried sweet potato casserole. |
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New Victim Advocate Sworn in by Judge Jim Shake
Circuit Judge Jim Shake swore in new Victim Advocate Sally Beane McDonald on November 17 in his chambers. Sally is shown with HR Administrator Jackie Warner and the Judge.
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2009 Secretary of the Year |
The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is pleased to announce that staff member Alice Harris received two prestigious awards at the Legal Secretaries of Louisville Bosses Recognition Luncheon on Tuesday, November 17, 2009. This is the first time in the history of the Legal Secretaries Awards that the same individual has been named both Member of the Year and Secretary of the Year! Alice thus joins staff member Katie Goodwin (2005) as a winner of the Secretary of the Year Award.
1st Person Nationwide to Receive Certification
Alice received certification as a Criminal Law Secretary Specialist by the Legal Secretaries International, Inc. on September 24, 2009. Alice is the first person nationwide to do so. She received certification as a Kentucky Certified Legal Secretary Specialist in February 2009. Each certification involves a rigorous process.
Legal Secretaries International was formed in 1995 as an educational association for legal secretaries whose members value ethics, professionalism, and continuing legal education. Its mission is to increase the competencies of legal secretaries so that they may better serve attorneys, courts, businesses, and governments. Specialty certification examinations have been developed in the following specialties: Certified Legal Secretary Specialist, Civil Litigation, Probate, Real Estate, Business Law, Criminal Law, and Intellectual Property.
Furthermore, at the 2009 Annual Meeting held in Indianapolis, Indiana, in September Alice was elected Director of Marketing for Legal Secretaries International for 2010. As a member of the Board of Directors, she is charged with handling policy, procedure, and governance of the corporation. Her specific duties include presenting Legal Secretaries International to the legal and professional community, to establish it as the premier association for legal secretaries and to maintain the association’s website. View it at www.legalsecretaries.org. Be sure to check out the changes that will be made in the beginning of 2010! |
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New Commonwealth's Detective Sworn In |
Pamela Walker, retired LMPD sergeant with 22 years experience in law enforcement, was recently sworn in as a Commonwealth's Detective by Jefferson Circuit Judge Susan Schultz Gibson. |
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New Prosecutor Sworn In on September 1 |
In chambers, Circuit Judge Jim Shake
swears in Jeremy Reed as an Assistant
Commonwealth's Attorney. |
Mr. Reed's mentor, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Stacy Greive, joins him and Judge Shake. |
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New employees sworn in by Judge Irv Maze Aug 2009 |
Left to right: Karen Young (Secretary), Ryan Olberding (ACA),
Judge Irv Maze, Matt Conway (ACA), and Nicole Beeson (Victim Advocate) |
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FROM OUR PHOTO ARCHIVES
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CAROL COBB Earns Prestigious Award
From Women Lawyers Association |
On November 13, 2008, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Carol Cobb became the first recipient of the Achievement in Excellence Award bestowed by the Women Lawyers Association (WLA) of Jefferson County at its Annual Meeting and luncheon. This award honors “an extraordinary attorney in our community who, over the years, has made significant contributions to the legal profession,” and is a role model for all practitioners of law, based on integrity and professionalism. |
Carol Cobb is flanked by two of her admirers: Commonwealth’s Attorney Dave Stengel (left) and First Assistant Harry Rothgerber (right). |
Ms. Cobb began her career at the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office in 1987 and recently retired as Chief of the award-winning Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Division. Among her many professional honors, she was named “Prosecutor of the Year” by citizen groups in 1991 and 1999. She has been much acclaimed for her trial skills, and her closing arguments are matched by few. Her empathy with victims was unmatched. Ms. Cobb served on numerous boards and committees, including the Executive Board of the WLA.
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Former Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Christie Floyd, the recipient of last year’s WLA Outstanding Member of the Year Award, introduced Ms. Cobb, who was her Division Chief for many years. In her remarks, Ms. Cobb said that one of the most gratifying things she was able to do as a prosecutor was to successfully co-try a murder case with her son Allan, who served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for 6 years. |
Carol Cobb and Christie Floyd display Carol’s lifetime achievement award. |
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Former Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Rebecca Westerfield, guest speaker for the WLA Annual Meeting, congratulates Carol on her award. |
The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is proud that a large number of Assistants have served on the Board of Directors or as President of WLA. Commonwealth’s Attorney Dave Stengel is pleased that two of his staff have received the WLA Outstanding Member of the Year Award—Anne Haynie (now Judge) in 2000, and Ms. Floyd in 2007. |
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Announcing The National Champions!
 Commonwealth's Attorney's Office Law Clerk David Scott and his partner, coached by Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Michelle Grant Rudovich, won the American Bar Association National Negotiation Competition that took place in Los Angeles, California from February 8-10, 2008. The other three top law school finishers were Tulsa, John Marshall and UC-Berkeley. In addition to winning a trophy and a cash prize, David and his team have been invited to participate in the International Negotiation Competition scheduled for London, England in early July, 2008.
David is a third year law student at the University of Louisville who plans to graduate in May, 2008 and to take the Kentucky Bar Exam this summer. He has served as a Law Clerk assigned to the General Trial Divisions since May, 2007. Michelle is a University of Louisville Law School graduate who is in her third year as an Assistant assigned to the Unified Special Prosecutions Unit. This office is very proud of both of them! |
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Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney JASON BUTLER Helps Guide Bellarmine University Mock Trial Team To Success in National Championships
For more than four years, Jason Butler has vigorously and effectively prosecuted serious felony cases as a member of the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office General Trial Unit, Division B. In his "leisure" time, Jason serves as one of the mock trial coaches for his undergrad alma mater, Bellarmine University (BU), which just finished sixth in the American Mock Trial Association championships.
Over 300 teams from colleges and universities across the country participate in American Mock Trial Association-sponsored competitions. According to Jason, Bellarmine Mock Trial is one of the oldest and most successful programs in the country. In the 22 years that BU has competed, BU has placed first or second in the nation five times and has finished in the top-10 on several other occasions. Bellarmine has qualified at least one team for the National Championship Tournament in 21 of the past 22 years. In addition, BU has almost 40 All Americans, including several who have received multiple All American designations. In 1999, Bellarmine won the National Championship by defeating Rhodes College. That BU team featured two current Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys, Jason Butler and Ryane Conroy. At the National Championship Tournament that year, the team beat Stanford University, Furman University and the University of Texas.
From information provided on the Bellarmine Mock Trial website, the team is led by coaches Ruth and Jim Wagoner, who have been with the program since its inception. Dr. Ruth Wagoner is a professor of communications at Bellarmine, while Jim Wagoner is an attorney in private practice in Louisville. The team is also coached by alumni Jason Butler and Matt Rich. Butler is a graduate of Drake Law School in Des Moines, Iowa. Rich is a graduate of Cornell Law School in Ithaca, New York, and he currently works as a private practice attorney in Cincinnati. Ruth Wagoner has decided to make this past season her last season as an active coach, and her husband Jim will direct the program going forward. Jim will continue to be assisted by Jason Butler and Matt Rich, with additional expertise coming from mock trial alumna Ryane Conroy.
In the regional competition this year, Bellarmine bested teams from Michigan, Cornell and Harvard while earning a trip to the National Championship Tournament, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota from April 4-6, 2008. In the Nationals, BU finished sixth, taking ballots from Stanford, Michigan and Northwestern, and just coming up just short in the fourth round. With a record of 5 wins 2 losses and 1 tie, Bellarmine finished in sixth place in the O'Reilly Division, won by the University of Maryland, which went on to defeat George Washington in the Final Round for Maryland's record-setting fifth national championship. BU junior captain Staci Windsor was named an All American Attorney for her performance this weekend, one of only 20 attorneys in the entire competition so named. (To put this honor in perspective, there are over 200 attorneys eligible for this honor.)
Jason indicates that there is much optimism about the team's chances in 2009. There are no seniors on this year's mock trial team. All twelve team members will return to compete next season. In addition, three of the 12 participants in this year's Kentucky High School State Mock Trial Championship final round plan to participate in mock trial at Bellarmine. It is a great time to be a part of this program, and the coaches are excited about the future.
We are proud of the work that Jason does in keeping our community safe from serious and persistent felony offenders, and for his efforts in helping develop future lawyers and leaders. |
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Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney
FELICIA NU'MAN Featured in Newsweek Magazine
The April 14, 2008 edition of Newsweek Magazine's "My Turn" column is authored by Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Felicia Nu'Man. The full page story on page 19 of the hard copy features a great photo of Ms. Nu'man standing in the Jefferson County Judicial Center at the end of the pedway leading to the Hall of Justice. Ms. Nu'Man, a graduate of Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Georgia and a University of Louisville undergrad, has been a prosecutor assigned to the Narcotics Unit for almost three years. Her column is titled "I am not the Enemy," and can be found online at http://www.newsweek.com/id/130604 . |
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Human Resources Administrator
JACKIE WARNER
Jackie Warner was chosen and served as President 2008-2009 of The Kentucky Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators. She will serve as the Past President for 2009-2010. Jackie has served the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office faithfully since her hiring as an administrative secretary in 1979. Since then, she has been appointed payroll administrator, then comptroller, and (since 1993) Human Resources Administrator. During her tenure with the office, Jackie has achieved a certification as a "Certified Public Manager" through the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Western Kentucky University and as a "Professional in Human Resources" through the Society for Human Resource Management .
The national Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) was formed in 1971 to provide support to professionals involved in the management of law firms, corporate legal departments and government legal agencies. In 2005 ALA reached a milestone in membership by achieving 10,000 members. The mission of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) is to promote and enhance the competence and professionalism of all members of the legal management team; improve the quality of management in law firms and other legal service organizations; and, represent professional legal management and managers to the legal community and to the community at large. The Kentucky Chapter of Legal Administrators was formed in 1978, and consists of the Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Jackie Warner is a member of Kentucky ALA and the National ALA. Since joining the Kentucky ALA Chapter in 2002, Jackie has served as chairperson of the Education Committee and Community Challenge Committee. She has also served on the Vendor Expo Committee, and as Vice President. 
While Jackie was Chair of the Community Challenge Committee in 2006, she lead the chapter to donate over 1,000 stuffed bears and other various animals to the "Bears on Patrol" project where police officers carry stuffed animals in the patrol cars for the times when young children are taken from the home for one reason or another, and need a little comfort. According to one of her colleagues in Kentucky ALA, "Jackie has always served our Chapter with grace and patience and follows through on every task she accepts. We are lucky to have her." The Commonwealth's Attorney echoed those sentiments when he congratulated Jackie on her election and praised her years of effective and faithful service. |
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Paranormal Investigators Visit Old Jail Building,
Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
First Assistant Harry Rothgerber spent an extremely interesting evening in the Office upon his return from the 2008 Kentucky Prosecutors Conference on Friday evening, August 22. He escorted and accompanied ten (10) members of the Virginia Paranormal Society (VPS) as they investigated the Old Jail Building where the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office (CAO) is located. The VPS group, led by their founder Nick Ferra, drove to Louisville in 3 cars loaded with the latest high-tech audio & video detection equipment. They were in town mainly to investigate paranormal activity at the infamous old Waverly Hills Sanatorium on August 23. Looking for something to investigate the day before their trip to Waverly, they requested and received permission to check out the Old Jail due to the many reports of paranormal activity at that site over the years. (Both Waverly Hills and the Old Jail were designed by the same architect more than 100 years ago. The Old Jail was remodeled into office space in 1983.)
The first seven VPS members arrived at 3:30 in the afternoon. After introductions and small talk, they and Harry boarded the small private elevator to the CAO and promptly got stuck between the second and third floors! Luckily Harry was able to get the building security guard's attention, and MetroSafe authorities called the emergency elevator repairmen. It was a very hot, sticky, and uncomfortable 45 minutes before help arrived and rescued them. Some of the visitors wondered if the spirit world was apprehensive about this investigation. Chuck Olmstead from WHAS-11 and his cameraman arrived while all this was going on, but he missed his chance to film the group tumbling out of the elevator, when the repairman let all out on the second floor, not the first.
The Paranormal staff set up a "base camp" in the basement, where the Circuit Court Clerk's archives are stored and ran cable to the entire building to hook up their infrared video cameras and audio monitoring gear. They concentrated on the room next to the old prisoner transport tunnel in the basement, the old gym (the so-called "bat cave") and the Grand Jury area. The area of hottest paranormal activity was in the basement. There was one possible incident there of a spirit brushing by a VPS person, while it was being recorded on the infra red camera. Also, some unusual lighting activity occurred in the old gym. They really didn't see much in the GJ area, where an inmate hanging allegedly occurred years ago. (At 11:00 PM, Harry was creeped out when, standing in pitch black darkness in the old gym, bats starting dive bombing him, as the VPS people were trying to coax the spirits of dead inmates out into the open!) The VPS investigators eventually left around midnight. It will take them a couple of months to scientifically review the video and analyze the audio tapes for evidence of other activity.
Reporter Olmstead from WHAS-11 and his cameraman accompanied the VPS people for over three hours and took a lot of film. They may present it in a news segment in the future.
Also graciously assisting in the evening's activities were Debbie Heim from the Circuit Court Clerk's Office and Linda Miller Robbins from the Jefferson County Public Law Library, two other tenants in the Old Jail Building.
One of the VPS staff laughed when she saw CAO Grand Jury staffer Judy Comstock's "witch ball," hung in apprehension of this visit. "I've got those things all over my house, and they don't work," she said.
Note: Nick Ferra, Founder and President of VPS, recently sent the following update: "I want to thank you for having us there and letting us investigate any possibility for paranormal activity. However, we have come up empty handed. We have gone through 6 hours of video footage, 8 hours of audio and reviewed over 100 photographs. Besides being stuck in an elevator for almost an hour we all had a great time and hope that you would invite us back sometime. In most cases we can come up with nothing on the first try but going on a second or third visit there is a possible chance something paranormal can be discovered. Why does this happen? Were not for sure, but it's a good chance that whatever may be there could of just been hiding from us that night. We were new people and they weren't used to us being there. This is just a theory but from our experience it makes sense to a certain degree. Once again thank you so much for allowing us to investigate the old county jail."
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