DCJ News Stories

Friends and colleagues recently remembered State’s Attorney Michael Dearington as a no-nonsense, intelligent and hard-working attorney who ably balanced the pursuit of justice with the protection of individual rights while also serving as an impactful leader, deeply committed to public service and mentoring younger prosecutors.

Deputy Chief State’s Attorney, Inspector General Eliot D. Prescott, who was recently appointed by the Criminal Justice Commission, appeared on WFSB Channel 3’s Sunday show, CT ’25 with Eric Parker.

Lisa M. D’Angelo was sworn in on June 30, 2025 as Deputy Chief State's Attorney for Operations during a ceremony at the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney in Rocky Hill that marked an historic day for the Division of Criminal Justice. Deputy Chief State’s Attorney D’Angelo is the first woman in the history of the Division of Criminal Justice appointed to serve in one of the Division’s three Deputy Chief State’s Attorney positions.

On the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa, Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin opened the doors of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney for a special ceremony to pay tribute to one of the military veterans of that battle, Edward J. Apicella, Sr., the oldest living member of the Waterbury Police Department and father of Division of Criminal Justice Inspector Edward Apicella. The June 23 “Reflections on Leadership” chat in the Kevin T. Kane Training Center was an opportunity for members of the Division, state dignitaries and police officers to not only honor and thank the 99-year-old retired U.S. Army lieutenant for his service to this country, but also a chance to hear from an eyewitness to the last major battle of World War II.

Division of Criminal Justice prosecutors kicked off the month of June by participating in training programs that included instruction and discussion of various timely and critical topics for prosecutors’ professional development.

Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin marked Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week by honoring fallen police officers across Connecticut in speeches he presented at two separate ceremonies that highlighted the sacrifices men and women in uniform have made in service to their communities. 

Governor Ned Lamont and Supreme Court Justice Andrew J. McDonald held a press conference at the Capitol on May 14 to introduce the public to Appellate Court Judge Eliot D. Prescott, who was recently appointed by the Criminal Justice Commission to succeed retiring Inspector General Robert J. Devlin, Jr.

WFSB Channel 3's coverage of the Division of Criminal Justice's efforts to help the "Hope for Hailey" mission. 

The Division of Criminal Justice held a two-day training program on March 13 and March 14 for prosecutors regarding the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases.

The Office of the Chief State’s Attorney recently opened its doors to community leaders throughout Connecticut during the first-ever Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice Citizen Academy, a seven-week comprehensive course designed to help residents get a better understanding of the legal system, particularly from the perspective of prosecutors.