Grand Jury Indictment

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Press Release

For Immediate Release

October 27, 2023

FREDERICK COUNTY GRAND JURY INDICTS NEW JERSEY MAN ON ONE COUNT OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER AND ONE COUNT OF SECOND-DEGREE MURDER

Frederick, MD – This morning, a Frederick County Grand Jury has indicted 46-year-old Matthew Sidney Watley, of Sicklerville, New Jersey, on one count of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder of his domestic partner, Candice Thompson.

On September 24, 2023 at 1:31 a.m., deputies were dispatched to 5236 Intercoastal Drive in New Market, MD at the Costco Depot for a welfare check.  Dispatch advised that Costco security was out with a male subject yelling and screaming at his truck, destroying its interior.  Security then advised the male subject had cut himself after punching the windshield, and then proceeded to sound the horn.  Deputies from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene and met with Costco Security located at the entrance of the campus.  Security explained that a trailer had been disengaged abruptly from its cab and had been drug for several feet.  When deputies made contact with the defendant, who was operating the vehicle, they observed the driver speaking incoherently and refusing their commands to shut off the vehicle’s engine.  Deputies placed stop sticks behind the rear wheels of the tractor trailer.  Additional deputies arrived on scene when the defendant began driving the vehicle towards the gate house.  Upon relocating the stop sticks to the front side of the tires, deputies again attempted to speak with the defendant.  The defendant proceeded to run over the stop sticks and into the complex parking lot.  Wheel chocks were eventually thrown under all wheels after the suspect made several additional starts and stops with the truck.  Deputies were able to deflate the tires and commanded the driver to exit the vehicle, placing him in handcuffs.  The driver had what appeared to be blood on his shirt, hands, and face.

Upon searching the cab of the vehicle, Deputy Storm, of the FCSO, observed a female, identified as 46-year-old Candice Thompson, also of Sicklerville, New Jersey, lying face down on the floor of the cab.  The victim appeared to have multiple stab wounds to her back.  EMS arrived on scene and pronounced the victim deceased at 3:00 a.m.  Candice Thompson’s body was transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Baltimore, Maryland.  Based on the injuries observed on Candice Thompson’s body, the preliminary cause of death was identified as blunt and sharp force trauma.

The defendant, while detained, was transported to Frederick Health Hospital.  Although an arrest warrant was issued for Matthew Sidney Watley for the murder of Candice Thompson, he remained at Frederick Health Hospital for medical and mental health treatment.

Detectives learned that Candice Thompson and Matthew Watley were in a dating relationship and had a history of domestic violence in New Jersey with the Winslow Township Police Department.

 

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Communications Specialist

JRottmann@statesattorney.us

301-600-2972

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New INTERCEPT Task Force

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDATE RELEASE

October 26, 2023

 

FREDERICK’S NEW INTERCEPT TASK FORCE CENTRALIZES LAW ENFORCEMENT AND INVESTIGATIVE TEAMS TO COMBAT TEN-FOLD INCREASE IN VICTIMS IDENTIFIED IN CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL AND TRAFFICKING

 

Frederick, MD – Today marks the genesis of Frederick County’s INTERCEPT Task Force (Inter-agency Child Exploitation and Persons Trafficking).  The new umbrella organization, encompassing multiple local, state and federal law enforcement and investigative agencies, as well as several partnering victim advocacy agencies, will expeditiously combat a ten-fold rise in victims identified in child sexual abuse material and trafficking, since a decade ago.  The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office has partnered with the non-profit Operation Light Shine, who creates, funds, develops and provides INTERCEPT’s command center with technology, software, investigative equipment, forensic capabilities, advanced research, training/development and more.  Recognizing the urgent need to address the grave issue of child exploitation and trafficking, Operation Light Shine has taken upon itself the responsibility to bridge the funding gap and bolster law enforcement efforts in their fight against this heinous crime. By securing additional resources and support, this organization plays a pivotal role in empowering law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts and protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.

 

The Frederick County Human Trafficking Response Team (FCHTRT) and the Frederick County Cyber Crimes Task Force (FCCCTF), started in 2018 and 2019 respectively, play crucial roles in the discovery, apprehension and prosecution of human traffickers and internet sexual predators.  In the last three years, with the increasing overlap of online child exploitation and human trafficking in Frederick County, law enforcement personnel faced limited manpower and technology, prolonging investigations.  The new INTERCEPT Task Force’s centralized operation and funding efficiently increases forensic technology, prevents digital forensic backlogs and broadens proactive manpower for each case.

“Human trafficking and child exploitation cases are serious violations of our most cherished, fundamental right – the right to be free,” said State’s Attorney Charlie Smith.  “We have seen cases affecting people in every area of Frederick County,” continued Smith, “and INTERCEPT is the first Task Force in Maryland and only the third in the U.S. to tackle these complex issues with a coordinated response from law enforcement, policymakers, social service providers, and the general public.”

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Communications Specialist

JRottmann@statesattorney.us

301-600-2972

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 27, 2023

 

FREDERICK MAN SENTENCED TO TWENTY YEARS FOR TWO COUNTS OF SEX ABUSE OF A MINOR.

Frederick, MD – On Monday, in Frederick County Circuit Court, Jose Rosa Romero, age 45, was sentenced by Judge Scott Rolle to two consecutive 10-year terms for two counts of sex abuse of two female minors.  Upon release from incarceration, Romero must serve five years of supervised probation.  He must also register as a sex offender for life and is subject to lifetime sex offender supervision.

On 4/8/2022, two female minors revealed to a family member that they were sexually abused by Romero approximately ten years ago.  The victims were between 4 and 6 years old at the time of the abuse.  Romero was found guilty of both counts of child sexual abuse by a jury on May 25, 2023.

The investigation leading to the arrest and conviction of Romero was a collaborative effort led by the Frederick Police Department and the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office.  The State was represented by Special Victims’ Unit Prosecutor Lindsey Carpenter.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Communications Specialist

JRottmann@statesattorney.us

301-600-2972

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Charlie Smith Attends Global IAP Conference to Combat Cyber-Crime

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Press Release

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

 

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith Attends International Conference in London to Help Innovate Methods of Prosecuting Global Crimes Crossing Multiple Jurisdictional Boundaries.

   

 

Frederick, MD – This week, Frederick County State’s Attorney Charlie Smith, President of the National District Attorney’s Association, attends the 28th International Association of Prosecutors Annual Conference in London, England to explore the changing nature of crime in the 21st century and to help develop ways to stay ahead of resilient and rapidly adapting criminal networks.

Discussions at the gathering will explore how prosecutors can best organize and operate their agencies to maximize their resources in the context of growing digital evidence and how technological developments can be used in large-scale investigations.  With evidence, witnesses, victims, suspects and assets often located in more than one country, the importance of effective international cooperation is vital to prosecutors’ success.

“International cooperation is increasingly important to the local prosecutor,” said Frederick County State’s Attorney Charlie Smith, “especially with the significant increase in cyber-crime and human trafficking.”

 

The mission of the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office is to promote public safety and foster a sense of security in our community by holding people accountable for violating the law and by pursuing justice in a fair, honest, efficient and ethical manner.

 

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Communication Specialist

jrottmann@statesattorney.us

301-600-2972

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FREDERICK MAN CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE CHILD ABUSE RESULTING IN DEATH OF INFANT

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 18, 2023

Frederick, MD – Last night in Frederick County Circuit Court, Jesse Cook, age 45, of Frederick was convicted by a jury of one count of first-degree child abuse resulting in the death of a child under 13 years old and two counts of second-degree child abuse.

On June 17, 2020, deputies with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office responded to an infant in cardiac arrest at 5305 Kingsbrook Drive in Frederick, MD.   The infant was transported to Frederick Health Hospital where the infant was pronounced deceased by medical staff approximately one hour later.  Child Protective Services was immediately notified.  An autopsy revealed multiple injuries on the infant’s body consistent with non-accidental trauma, including approximately 20 healing broken ribs, a prior abdominal injury, and a new abdominal injury that ultimately led to the infant’s death at just one month and twenty-six days old.  The Medical Examiner determined that the injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma and ruled the infant’s death a homicide.  Through investigation by detectives with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, it was learned that the child’s father had sent numerous concerning text messages and searched numerous concerning subjects related to the infant child.  Witnesses also reported that the defendant had been “rough” with the child during the child’s short life.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith stated, “These are the cases that keep you up at night realizing what some people are capable of. This poor baby knew nothing but hate and abuse in this world.  Jesse Cook is the reason we have prisons, and we will do everything within our power to make sure he is in one for many, many years.”

The sentencing date is yet to be determined.

The investigation leading to the arrest and conviction of Cook was a collaborative effort led by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and State’s Attorney’s Office.  The State was represented by Chief Prosecutor of the Special Victims’ Unit, Tammy Leache and SVU Prosecutor Lindsey Carpenter.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Communications Specialist

JRottmann@statesattorney.us

301-600-2972

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2023 MORTON BARD AWARD WINNER, FREDERICK COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE UNIT CHIEF ASSISTANT STATE’S ATTORNEY BRETT ENGLER

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 29, 2023

Frederick, Maryland – The National Organization for Victim Assistance has awarded Frederick County State’s Attorney Domestic Violence Unit Chief Assistant State’s Attorney Brett Engler with the 2023 Morton Bard Award.  The award recognizes outstanding leadership and tireless efforts in advancing crime victim’s rights. She was nominated and selected for this distinguished award by her colleagues and peers at NOVA, who collectively recognize the critical impact she makes daily. Her unwavering dedication to assisting and empowering victims and survivors of crime is an inspiration to us all. Most significantly, her extraordinary compassion, leadership and ingenuity in her work has helped countless victims and survivors begin to heal in the aftermath of a crime.

Ms. Engler has been with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office for over ten years primarily focusing on domestic violence cases.  She spearheaded efforts to develop a more specialized unit devoted solely to domestic violence and intimate partner abuse which resulted in the creation of the new Domestic Violence Unit of the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office where she serves as Chief.

“From the day Brett started, she had the passion and grit to stand up for victims of intimate partner violence.  Here we are over a decade later, and she is turning heads nationally.  Frederick is very fortunate to have such a smart and dedicated Chief DV prosecutor,” stated State’s Attorney Charlie Smith.

Ms. Engler works hard each day to protect victims of domestic violence and raise awareness of its dangers. She participates with, and leads, several local committees whose purpose is to provide better services to the victims they encounter. Most recently, her passion for protecting victims and combatting intergenerational cycles of violence led to the formation of the rebooted Frederick County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, on which she serves as Chair. She also Chairs the Frederick County Fatality Review Team and created a Domestic Violence High Risk Team that includes her office, the Office of Parole and Probation and law enforcement.

STATE’S ATTORNEY J. CHARLES SMITH, III, JOINS GROUNDBREAKING INITIATIVE TO COMBAT ORGANIZED RETAIL CRIME AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY SAFETY: NATIONAL STORE WALK MONTH

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 28, 2023

Frederick, Maryland – Joining forces with the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), J. Charles Smith, III, State’s Attorney for Frederick County, MD, proudly announces National Store Walk Month, an innovative initiative taking place in September. This initiative intends to address the urgent issue of retail crime and habitual theft and its rippling effects on our communities, signifying a pioneering step in facilitating crucial dialogue and cooperation between local law enforcement and community retailers.

During September, Smith plans to lead Frederick County’s participation by visiting several retail businesses, demonstrating his Office’s commitment to work hand-in-hand with community retailers, exchanging valuable insights, fostering a mutual understanding, and collaboratively developing retail crime mitigation strategies. This unprecedented partnership is anticipated to provide a robust understanding of the challenges at hand, enabling a unified and potent response.

 “The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting habitual/organized. Retail thefts in an effort to deter this behavior and promote the safety and well-being of both. Employees and customers while they work and shop in Frederick County.” –   J. Charles Smith III

 Smith also expressed his appreciation for the continued assistance of all retail partners in these prosecution efforts.

Retail theft collectively costs communities billions annually, undermining local economies and threatening the viability of storefronts in neighborhoods across the country.  Equally concerning, in recent years organized and habitual theft has become more brazen and violent, raising safety concerns for employees and customers alike—disrupting lives, jeopardizing livelihoods, and undermining the vitality of communities and neighborhood shopping districts. National Store Walk Month aims to address these concerns, promoting safer, prosperous, and more vibrant communities.

National Store Walk Month welcomes all local retailers and prosecutors to participate, encouraging a united front against retail crime, and fostering a safer, more secure future. As part of this initiative, State’s Attorney Smith reaffirms a commitment to protecting the local community, combatting crime, and creating a more prosperous Frederick County.

For more information, please contact:

About the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office:

 The mission of the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office is to promote public safety and foster a sense of security in our community by holding people accountable for violating the law and pursuing justice in a fair, honest, efficient, and ethical manner.

Press Contact:

Joyce King

Chief Counsel

JKing1@statesattorney.us

301-600-1516

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THURMONT MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A CHILD

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August 16, 2023                                                                                

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         

Contact MARCIA LUBIN

at (410) 209-4854

www.justice.gov/usao/md                                                    

THURMONT MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A CHILD

Defendant Broke Into His Neighbor’s Home and Took Sexually Explicit
Photographs of a Child

Baltimore, Maryland – Jose Alexander Diaz-Rodriguez, age 23, of Thurmont, pleaded guilty today sexual exploitation of a child, after he broke into his neighbor’s home and took sexually explicit photographs of a child.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Chief Greg Eyler of the Thurmont Police Department; Chief Jason Landon of the Frederick Police Department; and Frederick County State’s Attorney J. Charles Smith, III.

According to his guilty plea, on July 26, 2021, Diaz-Rodriguez broke into his neighbor’s home and entered the bedroom where Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 were sleeping.  Diaz-Rodriguez got into bed with Jane Doe 1, who was eight years old, and produced a series of four images intending to create sexually explicit images of Jane Doe 1.  DNA from Diaz-Rodriguez was found on swabs from Jane Doe 1.

Jane Doe 1’s mother heard a noise and went into the room where she found Diaz-Rodriguez on the ground next to the bed.  Diaz-Rodriguez fled and was arrested a short time later at his residence.  A search warrant executed at his residence and his cell phone was seized.  A forensic examination of the phone located over 1,000 files depicting the sexual abuse of children, including the four images of Jane Doe 1, which Diaz-Rodriguez had deleted prior to police arrival.

Diaz-Rodriguez further admitted that he distributed child sex abuse material on his social media account, specifically an image documenting the sexual abuse of a child.

As part of his plea agreement, upon his release from prison, Diaz-Rodriguez will be required to register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”).

Diaz-Rodriguez and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement,
Diaz-Rodriguez will be sentenced to 18 years in federal prison.  U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for November 20, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.

United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI, the Thurmont Police Department, the Frederick Police Department and the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution.  Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joyce King, who prosecuted the federal case.

For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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FREDERICK MAN SENTENCED IN ONLINE SEXUAL SOLICITATION AND RAPE OF 13 YEAR OLD

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 14, 2023

FREDERICK MAN SENTENCED IN ONLINE SEXUAL SOLICITATION AND RAPE OF 13 YEAR OLD

FREDERICK, MD – On Friday, August 11, 2023, Edwin Richard Hunt, age 43, of Joppa, Maryland was sentenced in Frederick County Circuit Court. The Honorable Judge Martz-Fisher sentenced him to 40 years suspended all but 20 years to serve in the Division of Corrections. Hunt, who entered a guilty plea, was convicted on the following charges: one count of Second-Degree Rape, one count of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor, and one count of Production of Child Pornography.

On January 20, 2023, officers from the Frederick Police Department responded to a report made by a 13-year-old female child, indicating that she had encountered a 40-year-old man online and that he later had sexual intercourse with her.  The defendant, later identified as Hunt, had met the victim three weeks earlier on a social media platform.  The defendant began to engage in sexually charged conversation with the minor victim, while sending explicit images. Digital forensics show the defendant travelled from Joppa, Maryland on two occasions. The first, in an attempt to provide the victim with “pleasure” toys and the second, to sexually assault the victim in her home. The victim disclosed that the defendant wanted the victim to produce a sexually explicit video. On January 18, 2023, the defendant performed vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, and fellatio on the 13-year-old victim.  On January 19, 2023, the defendant reestablished contact with the victim, intending to travel and meet the minor victim again to engage in another sexual act.

“Every child deserves protection from the dangers of sexual exploitation and abuse, be it online, in-person, or through sexually explicit images,” said State’s Attorney Charlie Smith. “We stand by the bravery of victims who come forward, and we’re resolute in our commitment to their safety. We will continue to work in tandem with other agencies to put an end to such reprehensible behavior.”

The investigation and prosecution of the case were led by the Frederick County Cyber Crimes Task Force (FCCCTF).  The FCCCTF was established in May 2019 as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the State’s Attorney’s Office, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, and the Frederick Police Department. Investigators with the Maryland State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) offer State and Federal support.

The mission of the FCCCTF is to investigate, apprehend, and prosecute internet sexual predators who exploit children through the use of the internet and technology, consistent with Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force standards and procedures.

The State was represented by Chief Counsel Joyce King and Assistant State’s Attorney Lindsey Carpenter.

NDAA ELECTS FREDERICK COUNTY, MARYLAND STATE’S ATTORNEY AS NEXT PRESIDENT

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ARLINGTON, VA – The National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) inaugurated a dynamic new leader on Monday, July 10, as they elected J. Charles (Charlie) Smith III, current State’s Attorney for Frederick County, Maryland, as their next president. Smith was sworn in at NDAA’s annual summer summit in Nashville, Tennessee. With a professional legacy marked by an unwavering commitment to justice, community service, and innovation, Smith’s inauguration promises a forward-thinking and inclusive approach to the role.

Smith, widely admired for his nuanced perspective on prosecutorial integrity and commitment to responsive criminal justice, intends to focus his presidency on championing what he likes to call “proactive prosecution”. This means promoting and advancing our nation’s prosecutors as leaders in the courtroom and in the community through strategic collaboration and engagement with justice partners and citizens alike. He feels strongly that a prosecutor’s importance to public trust and criminal justice cannot be understated. Equally important to Smith is continuing NDAA’s focus on advancing policies and trial advocacy programs to assist and support our country’s prosecutors.

Moreover, he is committed to boosting prosecutor recruitment and retention through innovative strategies, aiming to address the challenges currently faced by prosecutor’s offices nationwide.

Outgoing president John F. Flynn praised Smith, saying, “Charlie’s vast experience and his proven commitment to justice make him a standout choice for leading the NDAA. He has been an unwavering advocate for his community, and we are confident that under his leadership, he will continue to elevate the voice of our nation’s prosecutors.”

Hailing from Baltimore City, Maryland, Smith is a distinguished graduate of the University of Maryland and the University of Baltimore School of Law. He commenced his career in the legal field as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Baltimore City, Maryland. After a few years in private practice, Smith resumed his career as a prosecutor in Frederick County, Maryland in 1998 where he went on to serve as Chief of the Child Abuse/Sex Offense Division, Deputy State’s Attorney (First Assistant), and finally as the elected State’s Attorney for Frederick County, a role he has held since January 2007.

Outside his professional commitments, Smith’s deep-rooted connection with his community is apparent in his extensive Board involvement with local organizations, such as the Frederick Rescue Mission Inc., Child Advocacy Center, Frederick Health Hospice and Faith House. Smith shares his life with his wife,

Desiree a retired Special Agent with the FBI, and their four children. His dedication to family and community shines as brightly as his professional achievements, making him an exemplary leader for the NDAA.

In addition to the election of Smith, several other individuals were elected as new or returning members of the NDAA Board of Directors:

  • Ivan Bates, State’s Attorney, Baltimore City, MD
  • Mark Dupree, District Attorney, Wyandotte County, KS
  • Rich Gibson, State’s Attorney, Howard County, MD
  • Spencer Merriweather, District Attorney, Mecklenburg County, NC
  • Michael Ferrarese, District Attorney, Chenango County, NY

About the National District Attorneys Association:

Formed in 1950, NDAA is the oldest and largest national organization representing state and local prosecutors in the country. With more than 5,500 members representing over two-thirds of the state and local prosecutors’ offices, NDAA is recognized as the leading source of national expertise on the prosecution function and is a valuable resource for the media, academia, government, and community leaders. NDAA’s mission is to provide state and local prosecutors with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to ensure that justice is done and that public safety rights are protected.

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