District Attorney Commendations are presented to those staff members who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to justice for the citizens of Montgomery County.
October 2022
Det. Walt Kerr
For his unwavering commitment to solving the Norristown Farm Park rape, which involved learning genetic genealogy
and painstakingly tracing a suspect through familial DNA.
Victim/Witness Coordinator Shauna Quintrell
For her dedication and extraordinary service to victims and witnesses in the Juvenile Division.
Restitution Coordinator Brandon Rapp
For his excellent work in streamlining the restitution management system.
Lt. Ed Schikel, Det. Dave Schanes, Det. Eric Nelson, Det. Terry Lewis, Investigator Matthew Cartwright
Recognizing the entire Forensic Services Unit for its expertise in collecting and analyzing evidence from
homicides, crashes, firearms, computers and more.
Det. Dirk Boughter
For his expertise in fingerprint analysis, examining 4,396 latent impressions during 2021 related to 53 cases,
which resulted in significant identifications.
Criminal File Investigators Terry Root, LaToya Hylton and Kiersten Deemer (not pictured)
For exemplifying professionalism and attention to detail while managing significant caseloads
and providing discovery in a timely manner.
ADA Gwendolyn Kull
For organizing the Get Out & Grind three-day community event for Norristown youths designed to emphasize
fitness over firearms.
SV Coordinator & Litigation Assistant Mackenzie Iocona
For excellence in her responsibilities with victims as well as her efforts assisting prosecutors preparing for and during trials.
Det. Jack Wittenberger, Det. Anthony Caso, Det. Greg Henry, Det. Heather Long, Det. Bill Mitchell
Recognizing the entire Homicide Unit for its excellence in investigating and clearing homicides while at the
same time managing the exhaustive preparation for nearly 30 homicide trials since August 2022.
DDA Kelly Lloyd, Det. Heather Long, ADA Lindsey Mills, Lt. Erick Echevarria, Lt. Todd Richard
For their unflagging commitment to the homicide investigation and criminal prosecution of three gang members
who executed a victim as he sat in his car.
ADA Meghan Carney, Det. Jack Wittenberger, DDA Thomas McGoldrick
For the prosecution and successful Guilty but Mentally Ill verdict stemming from a difficult mental health case
involving the brutal slayings of two women.
First Assistant Edward McCann Jr., DDA Brianna Ringwood, Det. Kathleen Kelly, Det. Greg Henry
For the investigation and successful prosecution of a defendant who may have gotten away with the beating death
of a 4-year-old girl if not for their dogged persistence.
ADA Scott Frame, ADA Douglas Lavenberg
For the successful prosecution and expert handling of the jury trial of two defendants charged with a dangerous
gunpoint robbery of a Cheltenham CVS.
Trials Secretary Raina Hansen
For her exemplary performance in the Trials Division, where she has provided essential administrative support
to prosecutors during the course of her stellar five-year career.
ADA Caroline Goldstein
For the successful prosecution and conviction of a child-rapist who will spend the next 12 to 24 years in prison
and for her diligence in helping to provide closure for the young victim.
ADA Gabrielle Hughes, ADA Tanner Beck
For their skillful prosecution of multiple defendants, who were charged with the gunpoint robberies of
several courier drivers delivering Schedule I and II drugs to pharmacies.
February 2020
Lt. Christopher Kuklentz, Detective Tony Caso, Detective Kathleen Kelly, Detective Michael Shade, Detective Dirk Boughter, Investigator Valerie Becker, Detective V.J. Higgins, Detective Victor Fuentes, Detective Walt Kerr, Assistant District Attorney Bridget Gallagher, Assistant Chief of Trials Brianna Ringwood and Detective Jean Morrison For the Major Crimes Unit’s exemplary and challenging investigation of multiple child sexual assaults by a family member and the ensuing guilty plea and lengthy sentence that sparred the children from having to testify in court. 
Assistant District Attorney Kelly Lloyd, First Assistant District Attorney Edward F. McCann Jr., Detective V.J. Higgins and Detective Walter Kerr
For the excellent investigation and prosecution of two brutal assaults by county prison corrections officers and the subsequent cover up of their crimes.
Detective Todd Richard, Detective Greg Henry, Assistant District Attorney Roderick Fancher and Assistant Chief of Trials Brianna Ringwood For the superb investigation and prosecution of the high-profile Main Line murder committed by Jonathan Harris.
Assistant District Attorney Roderick Fancher, Assistant Chief of Trials Tonya Lupinacci and Detective Tony Caso For the successful investigation and prosecution of the shooter who opened fire in a crowded Walmart in Cheltenham Township in 2018, injuring five innocent people. 
Litigation Support Specialist Scott Kennedy
For exemplary performance of your responsibilities in providing prosecutors, detectives and staff with technological assistance, especially in trial evidence presentation. 
Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Beeson For the successful prosecution of a very difficult child sexual assault/rape case involving multiple victims. 
Juvenile Investigator Christopher Otto For your outstanding investigatory skills and commitment to quickly acquiring critical evidence for more than 600 juvenile dispositions annually. 
Supervisory Intelligence Analyst Nicholas Devine For outstanding work in developing and establishing an Intelligence Arm of the Montgomery County Detective Bureau to collect and analyze intelligence data regarding criminal cases and activity. 
Assistant District Attorney Lauren Marvel and Detective Kathleen Kelly For the challenging investigation and prosecution of a child sexual assault committed multiple times, which led to the defendant receiving significant jail time.
No photo available for: Detective James Lavin, Detective James Wood, Detective James Vinter and Assistant District Attorney Jim Price For excellent work in the difficult, meticulous and lengthy investigations and prosecutions of five physicians engaging in unlawful medical practices. |
February 2019
Assistant District Attorney Kelli McGinnis and Detective Jean Morrison
For the investigation and prosecution of Patrick Bradley, a corrupt lawyer who stole more than $167,000 from clients between 2013-2016.
Assistant Chief of Trials Tonya Lupinacci and Detective Tony Caso
For the investigation and prosecution of Travis Siuta for Drug Delivery Resulting in Death for delivering a fatal dose of fentanyl to a hospital patient. 
Forfeiture Clerk/Records Supervisor Craig Herder
For his efficiency and accuracy as Supervisor of Records and for his administrative efforts working with the Forfeiture Unit.
Assistant District Attorney Allison Ruth, Assistant District Attorney Gabrielle Hughes and Assistant District Attorney Samantha Arena
For their tireless preparation and the prosecution of Wasim Shazad, who used his jewelry stores to buy and sell stolen valuables taken during a barrage of burglaries of high-end homes.
Assistant District Attorney Scott Frame
For serving on the Technology Committee of the District Attorney’s Office and for sharing his technical expertise with colleagues in order to create excellent trial exhibits.
Administrative Assistant Gisela Cruz
For maintaining the daily office support responsibilities for the Community Prosecution Unit and handling an ever-expanding list of administrative tasks for the entire office.
Investigator Josh Varady
For helping to achieve successful outcomes in numerous serious criminal cases by preparing crucial photo, video and audio evidence.
Assistant District Attorney Kristen Kemp
For the superb prosecutions of three brothers for child sexual assault and three defendants for attempted murder, which led to each defendant receiving significant jail time.
September 2018 Assistant District Attorney Alexandria MacMaster and Investigator Kiersten McDonald
For the successful prosecution of one of the worst cases of domestic violence in county history and for showing such compassion and concern for the victims: 
Assistant District Attorney Samantha Thompson
For the successful Attempted Murder prosecution of Bobby Brown, where an uncooperative witness ultimately provided credible testimony that led to a conviction: 
Assistant District Attorney James Price (no picture available)
For the skillful prosecution of In Joong Kim, years after he sexually assaulted his 10-year-old niece and fled the country: Deputy District Attorney Samantha Cauffman, Assistant District Attorney Roderick Fancher and Detective Mike Crescitelli
For the superb homicide investigation and prosecution of co-defendants Isaiah Freeman and William Wilson: 
Assistant District Attorney Matthew Brittenburg
For the steadfast support of the victim and the skillful prosecution of child rapist Sopha Dok:  Investigator Kayleen Longstreet
In recognition of her excellent and indispensable work on many types of investigations by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau:  Assistant District Attorney Richard Bradbury and Detective Rob Turner For superb vehicle crash investigation and prosecutions, especially in the case of Commonwealth v. Adam Timbario: 
Assistant District Attorney Laura Bradbury
In recognition of your excellent prosecutorial skills and your commitment to seeking justice in the case of Commonwealth v. Larry Samuels: 
Assistant District Attorney Kelly Lloyd
For the masterful and successful prosecution of the first Drug Delivery Resulting in Death case to go before a jury: 
Deputy Chief Clerk Celeste Maia
In recognition of exemplary performance and commitment to the District Attorney’s Office and its entire staff: 
Supervising Secretary Fay Washington (photo not available)
For her dedication to the District Attorney’s Office and the Juvenile Division during her 28-year tenure. August 2017
Communications Secretary Jill Neal:
For outstanding work on the District Attorney’s Annual Report and for visually elevating the Law Enforcement Newsletter.
Detective Todd Richard and Assistant District Attorneys James Price and Lauren Heron (not pictured):
For their diligent efforts to solve the 2011 murder of 17-year-old D’Ravious Dawkins and to bring killers Omar Massenburg and Ryan Lee to justice.
ARD Unit Captain Mark Antonacio, Supervising Secretary Charlotte Sullivan, Investigator Eric Reustle, Community Service Support LaToya Hilton, Secretary Nicole Natale and (not pictured) Secretarys Beverly Winston and Kaitlyn Brock:
For the significant and innovative restructuring of the file flow and review system, which has eliminated the backlog and brought a new level of efficiency to the ARD Unit.
 ADA and Sex Crimes Unit Captain Stewart Ryan:
For his legal acumen, courtroom skills, commitment to seeking justice for all sexual assault victims and outstanding leadership.
Assistant District Attorney Richard Bradbury and Detective Rob Turner:
For the meticulous investigation and successful prosecution of SEPTA bus driver Katrina Sanders, who struck and killed a pedestrian lawfully crossing an intersection.
Assistant District Attorney Tonya Lupinacci, Supervising Secretary Lauren Winter Secretary Tori Hallstrom and (not pictured) ADA and Grand Jury Unit Captain Kelly Lloyd
For working with the Montgomery County Grand Jury to investigate the heroin-opioid crisis and produce the comprehensive report “The Opioid Epidemic,” which included significant recommendations to improve the crisis in the county.
Assistant District Attorney and Community Prosecution Unit Captain Briana Ringwood; Lt. Detectives Christopher Kuklentz and Marc Azeff; Detectives James Reape, James Carbo, Michael Fedak, Jean Morrison, Todd Richard, Edward Schikel, Robert Turner and John Wittenberger; and Investigator John Salamone (Photo not available):
For the outstanding kidnapping investigation and safe return of a 7-week-old boy from the King of Prussia Mall and the successful prosecution of kidnapper Cherie Amore. |
January 2017
Detective Paul Bradbury and Assistant District Attorneys Laura Bradbury and Kristen Feden:
For the outstanding investigation, prosecution and conviction of Mark Storms for Voluntary Manslaughter and Reckless Endangerment in the April 2015 shooting death of parishioner Robert Braxton, III.
Victim/Witness Unit’s Maura Carrol, Suzanne Haughie and Heather Josey:
For their efficiency, professionalism and compassion in helping crime victims and witnesses navigate the judicial system.
Discovery Clerks/File Folder Investigators Danielle Keeney and Brandee Schlotterer:
For their diligent efforts and outstanding contributions during a time of significant work process change.
Assistant District Attorney Sophia Polites and Detective James Reape (not pictured):
For the outstanding investigation, prosecution and conviction of Jonathan Cox for Child Rape and Statutory Sexual Assault of a 13-year-old girl.
Trials Secretary Stephanie Spollen:
For outstanding work performance, reliability and attention to detail in facilitating and supporting prosecutorial efforts.
Investigative Analyst Valerie Becker:
For managing the organization and tracking of thousands of incoming child abuse referrals for the Major Crimes Unit.
Detective Eric Nelson:
For his superb performance as a firearm and toolmark expert, examining every firearm, fired cartridge case, bullet and bullet fragment submitted to the Detective Bureau since 2013, and for his painstaking analysis of firearms-related evidence collected during “Operation War Ready.”
Special Assistant District Attorney Tonya Lupinacci:
For the masterful prosecution and conviction of Alexander Scott and Josiah Bailey, part of the “Operation War Ready” efforts in Pottstown, and their extraordinary sentences that included weapon and gang enhancements.
Trials Division Assistant Chief ADA Lauren McNulty:
DA Steele presented a special “GSDA” trophy to Lauren McNulty for her exemplary ability to oversee a multitude of cases and accomplish a tremendous amount.
Violent Crimes Unit of the Montgomery County Detective Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Heather Hines (not pictured):
For the extensive, months-long “Operation War Ready” investigation and related prosecutions of two rival Pottstown gangs, which culminated in the arrest of 47 individuals.
July 2016
Receptionist Diane Dinnick:
For her efficient and compassionate work in handling hundreds of calls and questions while maintaining a professional and caring demeanor.
Assistant District Attorney M. Stewart Ryan:
For his adept skills as a prosecutor, especially in the cases of Commonwealth v. Jeffrey Anderson, Commonwealth v. Ronnie Ramsey and Commonwealth v. Oscar Herrerra.
Detective James Reape:
For his commitment to ICAC investigations into Internet child pornography, especially in the cases of Commonwealth v. Eric Favre.
Arlene Kurtz, File Folder Creator:
For her diligent support of the District Attorney’s office through her role as File Folder Creator, creating more than 50,000 file folders in the past six and one-half years.
Deputy District Attorney Samantha Cauffman and Assistant District Attorney Ben McKenna:
For their exceptional prosecution in Commonwealth v. Collins and Watkins, a murder trial during which 22 witnesses and 84 exhibits were presented in just over three days.
Investigator Karen Roeder:
For her indispensable assistance to the Special Services Unit of the Montgomery County Detective Bureau.
Detective Jean Morrison:
For her expertise in using advanced technology in criminal investigations, especially in the mapping of cell phone data.
Assistant District Attorneys Alec O’Neill and Heather Hines, and Detective Jack Wittenberger (not pictured):
For their outstanding investigation, prosecution and conviction of Peter Atem for first-degree murder of his co-worker Danny Vasquez.
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Detectives Robert Turner and David Schanes (not pictured)
For their invaluable expertise in crash reconstruction and dedication as detectives on the Montgomery County Detective Bureau’s crash investigation team.
January, 2015
SPECIAL COMMENDATION
KEVIN R. STEELE – FIRST ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY
For his leadership, investigative skill and prosecutorial excellence. In 2014 FADA Steele prosecuted and obtained five first degree murder convictions in two vicious murders, Commonwealth v. Joseph McAndrews and Commonwealth v. Ragu Yandamuri, who was sentenced to death. When Wildlife Conservation Officer David Grove was ambushed and murdered in Adams County by Christopher Johnson, FADA Steele volunteered to work on the case with District Attorney Shawn Wagner of Adams County. Christopher Johnson was convicted of First Degree Murder and sentenced to death.
CHARLES CRAIG – INVESTIGATIVE ANALYST
In recognition of his outstanding use of technology to gather crucial intelligence information to assist Detectives from the Homicide Unit in identifying suspects and witnesses during investigations:
JASON EDWARDS – EXTRADITION CLERK:
In recognition of his dedication and organization of the District Attorney’s Extradition Unit.
KIERSTEN MCDONALD – DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INVESTIGATOR:
Her outstanding dedication and tireless effort to develop the Montgomery County District Attorney Courthouse Comfort Dog Program to support victims and witnesses and help them handle the trauma and stress of testifying and appearing in court. Investigator McDonald is the primary handler for K9-Turks and the coordinator of the K9 Program.
JONATHAN PERRONE – COMPUTER OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR:
In recognition of his outstanding use of technology in the courtroom working with prosecutors with court presentations of audio recordings, video recordings, photographs and Power Point presentations in numerous murder trials in Montgomery County including defendants Max Stine, Michael Hinton, Maurice Andrews and Raghunandan Yandamuri.
RACHEL WEAVER – SECRETARY
AMANDA STONG – SECRETARY:
In recognition of their dedicated service to the Investigating Grand Jury.
DOUGLAS LAVENBERG – ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY
In recognition of his hard work, dedication and organization for the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office DUI Unit.
GABRIEL MAGEE – ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY:
In recognition of his outstanding prosecution and convictions of multiple defendants for robbery and firearms offenses who were involved in the June 19, 2013 bank robbery of National Penn Bank in Lower Pottsgrove.
KATHLEEN MCLAUGHLIN – ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY:
In recognition of her outstanding trial preparation of two cases with First Assistant District Attorney Kevin R. Steele, which led to successful verdicts in each case. Commonwealth v. Albert Dudanowicz, a man who fired shots out of his apartment in Pottstown nearly striking civilians, police officers and tactical officers and Commonwealth v. Joseph McAndrew, who brutally murdered his mother, father and twin brother in their home with a sword.
CHRISTOPHER DANIELS – ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY
DIRK BOUGHTER – MONTGOMERY COUNTY DETECTIVE:
In recognition of their outstanding investigation and conviction in Commonwealth v. Marshall Perlman for insurance fraud and theft.
SOPHIA POLITES – ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY
MICHAEL BEGLEY – MONTGOMERY COUNTY DETECTIVE:
In recognition of their outstanding prosecution and conviction of Commonwealth v. Stahley, who was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life without parole.
PAUL BRADBURY – MONTGOMERY COUNTY DETECTIVE:
In recognition of his outstanding investigation in three homicide cases. Commonwealth v. Stahley, who was sentenced to life without parole; Commonwealth v. Joseph McAndrew, convicted of three counts of First Degree Murder (but mentally ill) and sentenced to three life sentences; and Commonwealth v. Yandamuri, who was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death.
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July, 2014
Thomas McGoldrick, Deputy District Attorney
Gabriel Magee, Assistant District Attorney
James Carbo, Montgomery County Detective:
In recognition of their outstanding investigation, prosecution and conviction of Commonwealth v. Max Stine who was found guilty of First Degree Murder.
Samantha Cauffman, Deputy District Attorney
Anthony Coccerino, Assistant District Attorney
Mark Minzola, Montgomery County Detective:
In recognition of their outstanding investigation, prosecution and conviction of Commonwealth v. Andre Collier who was found guilty of First Degree Murder and all related charges; Commonwealth v. Charles Freeman and Commonwealth v. Andre Miller who were convicted of Second Degree Murder and all related charges.
Katie Colgan, Assistant District Attorney:
In recognition of her outstanding prosecution in Commonwealth v. Rasheed Adams-Smith who plead guilty to Rape of a Child and related offenses.
Rebecca Strubel, Assistant District Attorney
Lindsay O'Brien, Assistant District Attorney
Todd Richard, Montgomery County Detective:
In recognition of their outstanding investigation, prosecution and conviction of Commonwealth v. Michael Hinton, who was convicted of First Degree Murder and Commonwealth v. Maurice Andrews, who was convicted of Third Degree Murder.
Investigator Paul Price, Montgomery County Detective Bureau
Investigator Josh Varady, Montgomery County Detective Bureau
Investigator Christopher Otto, Montgomery County Detective Bureau
Investigator James Gray, Montgomery County Detective Bureau
In recognition of their commitment, devotion to duty and organization of the Montgomery County Detective’s Bureau evidence storage facilities.
Dodie McGlinchey, Support Staff - ARD Unit
Michelle McDyre, Support Staff - ARD Unit
Kim Lahnemann, Support Staff - DUI Court
Jill Neal, Support Staff - DUI Court
Beverly Winston, Support Staff - DUI Court
In recognition of their dedicated service to the ARD Unit, DUI Court and the entire Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
January, 2014
Mark Antonacio, Assistant District Attorney Juvenile Division:
In recognition of his twenty years of dedicated service to the citizens of Montgomery County, his commitment to protecting victims, his unwavering pursuit of justice and team work.
Lauren McNulty, Capain ARD Unit:
In recognition of the outstanding prosecution and conviction of Commonwealth v. Francis David Lynch, who was found guilty of Homicide by Vehicle While DUI and related charges.
Unit Commendation, Community Service
Kim Lahnemann, Community Service
John Salamone, Investigator Community Service:
In recognition of their commitment, devotion to duty, and organization of the District Attorney’s Community Service Program.
Homicide Unit, County Detective Bureau:
In recognition of their outstanding investigation, prosecution and conviction of Michael Henry, who confessed to the “straw purchase” of a total of nine guns, one of which was used to kill Officer Bradley Fox.
Lieutenant Detective James McGowan
Detective Michael Begley
Detective Paul Bradbury
Detective James Carbo
Investigative Analyst Charles Craig
Detective Mark Minzola
Detective William Mitchell
Detective Todd Richard:
Karen Kasopsky, Supervising Secretary, Trials Division:
In recognition of her dedicated service to the Trials Division and the entire Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
Drew Marino, County Detective (not pictured):
In recognition of his innovative work in firearms training.
Narcotics Enforcement Team, County Detective Bureau (not pictured)
In recognition of their outstanding investigation of Jack Pennington, a retired Norristown Police Detective Sergeant who was engaged in illegal bookmaking and drug trafficking.
Unit Commendation, Office Administration:
Celeste Maia, Deputy Chief Clerk
Kaleigh Prough, Support Staff
Amanda Stong, Support Staff
In recognition of their dedicated service to Office Administration, the Forfeiture Unit and the entire Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
Intelligence Analyst, Narcotics Enforcement Team, County Detective Bureau (not pictured)
In spearheading the Prescription Drug Collection Box Project that has and will undoubtedly continue to keep drugs out of the hands of youth in our community.
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