Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. Attorney Dena J. King hosted the Western District’s Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice award ceremony, recognizing federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement, community partners, and citizens for their significant contributions to the mission of the Department of Justice, and for their commitment to protecting the people of the Western District of North Carolina.
“It is an honor to recognize the remarkable men and women in law enforcement for going above and beyond the call of duty to protect our communities and to hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions,” said U.S. Attorney King. “A career in law enforcement is not for the faint of heart. Those who wear the badge understand what it means to live a life of service, despite the significant dangers and challenges that come with the job. I congratulate the recipients for this well-deserved recognition. I am grateful for their outstanding efforts to ensure public safety and for serving the people of the Western District of North Carolina with integrity and excellence. I also thank our community partners and citizens who were recognized today for their contributions to my Office’s efforts to promote important programs and initiatives that promote safety, access to justice, and strengthen our ties with the people we serve.”
The following law enforcement professionals were recognized in the Outstanding Case category, for their work as an investigative team and their exemplary performance in cases handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office:
Paul M. Engler – FBI
William J. Gang, II – FBI
Corey S. Zachman – FBI
United States v. Victoria Irby
Sonia Escobedo – Asheville Police Department/DEA
Jonathan Morgan – Asheville Police Department
United States v. Megan Tate
Steve Davis – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
Brandon Elders – Cherokee Indian Police Department
David Lovedahl – DEA Task Force Officer
Daniel Peoples (Ret.) – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
Christy Sims – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
United States v. Martin Medina
Kevin Lau – Bureau of Indian Affairs/DEA
Cody McKinney – Cherokee Indian Police Department
Jesse Ramirez, II – Cherokee Indian Police Department
Jeff Smith – Cherokee Indian Police Department
United States v. Markuetric Stringfellow & Related Cases
John Carrothers – FBI
Michael T. Dixon – FBI
Nick Pompei – IRS-Criminal Investigation
United States v. Vincent Deritis
Timothy Bradley – Homeland Security Investigations
Mathew Rogers – Hickory Police Department
Marisa Rogers – Hickory Police Department
United States v. Hamzeh Alasfar, et al. & U.S. v. Rami Mhana
Matt Hayes – United States Secret Service
David Jester – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Jeff King –Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Matthew Mescan – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
United States v. Daneon Hanson et. al.
Brianna Ballard – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Everette Berry – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Jordan Buehler – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Peter Carbonaro – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Stephen Cuccaro – FBI
Luke Donahue – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Daniel Federowicz – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Jessica Frank – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Matthew Grimsley – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Todd Hepner – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Matthew Irmscher – FBI
Nicholas Krause – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
David Lopez – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Richard Migliara – FBI
Dennis Miller – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Douglas Moore – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Kaiti Mrak – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Jennifer Nisavic – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Katherine Sabino – FBI
Michael W. Sardelis – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Crystal Schwarte – FBI
Shawn Stegal – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Tristan Stewart – FBI
Megan Thueme – FBI
Andrea Wilson – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
The following recipients were selected to receive the Outstanding Individual Performance award for their exemplary contributions to multiple cases prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office:
Carter N. Catlett – U.S. Small Business Administration
Aleta Dunbar – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
John R. Ireland – FBI
Kathryn L. Swinkey – FBI
Michael W. Sardelis – Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Steven M. Webster – U.S. Department of Treasury
This year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office presented Ms. Tiffany Canonica and Ms. Hannah Arrowood with the Outstanding Citizen Award for their contributions in cases prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and recognized Beasley Media Group and Helpmate, Inc. with the Outstanding Community Partner award for their work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in promoting Department of Justice programs and initiatives.
U.S. Attorney King thanked the awardees for their distinctive efforts and their dedication to pursuing justice while working together to build public trust and keep our communities safe.