The Prevention Council hosted its first-ever gala on Monday, August 13, 2007, honoring Racing Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey for both his world-class athletic achievements and his commitment to sustained recovery from alcoholism. Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson served as honorary chair people, and joined nearly 300 guests at the Saratoga Polo Club to make the event a rousing success.

From left to right:  Saratoga County District Attorney
Jim Murphy, Judy Ekman, John Hendrickson,
Marylou Whitney and  Jerry Bailey.

The "Jane Doe No More" Fundraiser

held at Elliot and Cathy Masie's home, to raise funds and awareness for victims' of sexual assault and rape and for the promotion of victims' rights was a tremendous success.  August 13, 2007, Saratoga Springs, New York

A Community of Collaboration

Pictured here, Jim Murphy with Prevention Council Executive Director Judy Ekman (left) and Superintendent of the Saratoga Springs City School District Janice White (right), realize the importance of shortening the time between arrest and conviction for sex abuse and rape offenders. Thanks to collaboration between the School District, The District Attorneys Office and the Prevention Council, not only was a serious crime prevented from becoming even worse, but a community healed and became a safer place. 

A Celebration of Survival and Renewal

Elliott Massie welcomes Donna Palomba to his wife Cathy and his home during the fundraising event and praises her efforts to help victims of sexual assault and rape.  Elliots remarks mirror those of collaboration and cooperation later given by Saratoga Springs Police Chief Edward Moore and Saratoga County District Attorney Jim Murphy who worked on the case. 

Empowered women

Two very happy individuals finally meet after years of knowing about the other.  Here Donna Palomba, founder of "Jane Doe No More" and Lindsey Ferguson, a survivor of an attempted kidnapping meet at the Masie's home.  Both are victims of a defendant who is now serving a lengthy state prison sentence in the states of New York and Connecticut for his admitted criminal conduct, targeting both of these women. 

Saratoga County District Attorney Jim Murphy and Saratoga Springs Police Chief Ed Moore were among the hundreds of participants in the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure bike tour, which took place in Stillwater on June 10, 2007.

SENATOR BRUNO HONORED BY NYS DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION:  DA Murphy, Staten Island DA Dan Donovan (right), Queens DA Richard Brown (left) and Manhattan DA Robert Morgenthau (far left) discuss the importance of keeping violent felons off the streets to increase public safety.

Senator Bruno said, upon receipt  of his recognition,

"District Attorneys play a critical role as dedicated public servants, ensuring that individuals who threaten our communities with criminal activity are prosecuted to the full extent of the law, I have enjoyed working with our District Attorneys throughout New York State and providing the resources necessary to help make our streets safe for our children and families."

Funding to help defer the burden of student loans for district attorneys was included in the 2006-07 budget as a result of support from the Senate Majority. The District Attorney Tuition Assistance Program, administered through NYS Higher Education Services Corporation, received $3 million from the Senate to ease this financial burden. Presently, over 400 district attorneys and/or assistant district attorneys have met the program’s requirements and currently are eligible for support.

"Senator Bruno is a great supporter of criminal justice initiatives that have resulted in keeping violent offenders behind bars, as well as maintaining drug treatment programs," said Saratoga County DA Jim Murphy, who is also vice-president of the state DA's Association. "He has the respect and the gratitude of all the district attorneys throughout the state as he has been a good friend to prosecutors and to crime victims.

DA Murphy joins Advisory Board of JANE DOE NO MORE:

Shortening the Time from Healing to Recovery

The Jane Doe No More initiative, founded by rape survivor Donna Palomba of Waterbury, CT, creates awareness about the crime of sexual assault to ensure proper treatment of the victim. We dispel myths and break stigmas associated with this violent crime.We provide education and training tools for use by law enforcement, medical and legal professionals and provide guidance to victims and their families.  Each person that interacts with the victim will be better prepared so that no further emotional harm is inflicted and the healing process is allowed to continue. The time from the sexual assault to healing will be shortened, resulting in the best possible chance for a victim's full and healthy recovery.

DA Jim Murphy featured in 2 hour DATELINE NBC television program putting John Regan behind bars for the attempted kidnapping of track star Lindsey Ferguson in Saratoga Springs and for cooperating with Connecticut authorities in prosecuting Regan's rape and kidnapping of Donna Palomba, founder  of "Jane Doe No More". 

The story of how Saratoga Springs law enforcement helped bring John F. Regan to justice for the attempted abduction of a high school track runner and a 1993 sexual assault in Connecticut will air at 7 p.m. Sunday on "Dateline NBC." "The Man Behind the Mask" explores the crimes of John F. Regan, a 50-year-old Waterbury, CT, resident, who tried to grab Saratoga Springs teenager Lindsey Ferguson in the high school's parking lot after a track and field practice in October 2005.

His subsequent arrest by Saratoga Springs police led to Regan being prosecuted for the 1993 rape of Donna Palomba of Waterbury. Regan was charged with felony kidnapping in the Palomba case because the five-year statute of limitations on sexual assault and burglary had passed.

Prior to Regan's arrest in Saratoga Springs, Connecticut police had accused Palomba of making up the crime. She won a suit against the department for negligence.

Palomba's story is one of survival and empowerment because it demonstrates how a victim who is in a hopeless position ultimately wins out, said Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III, who was interviewed by Dateline for more than two hours and appears on the documentary.

"We were very happy because we had taken a dangerous person off the street, and helped the Connecticut's district attorney office with their statue of limitations," Murphy said.

Dateline NBC's Sara James  (pictured right) covered the story for the two hour "Man Behind the Mask" show.

Regan was convicted and is serving 12 years for attempted second-degree kidnapping at the Clinton Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison. In addition, he is serving a concurrent Connecticut prison sentence of 15 years for kidnapping Palomba and for stalking and restraining another woman.

DA Murphy and Senator Bruno award Vicki Merola award for crime victims' services

Crime Victim Advocate Vicki Merola receives an award for her outstanding work and dedication to crime victims from Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno during Crime Victim's Right's Week 2007 at the NYS Capitol. Vicki also received the Spirit of Justice Award from the United States Attorney's Office for her work with crime victims as well as the Saratoga County District Attorney's Pubic Service Award given by District Attorney Jim Murphy for her efforts in helping victims navigate successfully through the criminal justice system.  Merola and her husband live in Saratoga Springs.  She has proudly served the DA's office for more than 6 years. 

Stressing the importance of rededicating ourselves to the rights of crime victims, DA Murphy speak at the annual candlelight vigil

The Annual Candlelight Vigil, held at the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church in Saratoga Springs, provides a peaceful and contemplative setting for victims and their families to remember those who are victims of crime.  The Vigil marks the beginning of National Crime Victims' Rights Week as a group of dedicated volunteers work very hard to make the ceremony a tribute to those who are crime victims.  It is attended each year by nearly 100 people and allows victims to share their stories with others who can understand and provide support. 

Many individuals and organizations participate in the vigil including the Campion Foundation, the Prevention Council, the Center for the Family, Mother's Against Drunk Driving, the FBI, the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Crime Victim's Board, the Department of Parole, the Department of Corrections, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, the DA Crime Victim Unit, the Probation Department, the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church, other churches and synagogues, the Division of Criminal Justice Services, local and county police agencies, local, county and state elected officials, and victims and their families.  We thank all of them for making the vigil a success each year

May 2007 National Advocacy Center, Cross Examination Class for Prosecutors

The May 2007 Class of prosecutors who attended the Cross-Examination Training Program.   DA Murphy and 48 prosecutors from across the U.S. recently completed this intensive four day criminal trial advocacy class concentrating on cross examination at The National Advocacy Center (NAC) in Columbia,  South Carolina.  Hearing trial experiences from other prosecutors and participating in mock trials are two ways prosecutors can learn from each other to develop courtroom skills and techniques at the NAC.   Paid for by the Department of Justice in Washington D.C., the Center helps prosecutors hone their criminal trial practice skills.  Many of the assistant district attorneys in Saratoga County have been invited to and have attended training sessions on a variety of topics at the NAC.

Seabiscuit Trophy Recovered:  The Agua Caliente Cup returns for public view. 

DA Jim Murphy and members of the task force who assisted in the return of the Agua Caliente Cup won by Seabiscuit in 1938 are pictured here, taken at the National Museum of Racing across Union Avenue, from the Saratoga Flat Track in Saratoga Springs.  Col. Howard (in the camel jacket), a descendant of the original Howard family from California, the owners of the legendary horse, Seabiscuit, stand with members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department, New York State Police, FBI, and the National Museum of Racing.  The trophy was safely recovered after it had been missing for nearly 30 years.  The cup was donated by Howard to the National Museum of Racing and is on display for the public to view. To read more about the Howard Family and the famous horse, Seabiscuit, and his history, please "click" on the following link about Seabiscuit.

Attempted Kidnapper Sentenced: DNA ties defendant to Crimes in Connecticut

The parents of Lindsey Ferguson and DA Murphy at a press conference shortly after John Regan's sentencing.  The defendant plead guilty to the charge of Attempted Kidnapping and was sentenced to serve a term in state prison.  The victim and her family worked closely with the DA's office to ensure that justice was served.  The defendant then went on to face charges in Connecticut. 

Saratoga County Sheriff Jim Bowen with Jim Murphy

Sheriff Jim Bowen and DA Murphy work closely together on a  felony case.  Also pictured is a representative from the New York State Police as part of a joint investigation. 

Members of a task force against Problem Gambling address the public to educate parents and teens about underage gambling and it's addiction

DA Murphy and Chairperson of the Board of Supervisor's listen as a representative from the Center for Problem Gambling speaks about how highly addictive gambling can be for teens and adolescents. 

Mount McGregor Correctional Facility Superintendent Harold McKinney and DA Murphy attend a Memorial Service to remember the men and women who have worked at Mt. McGregor.

Each year, Mount McGregor recognizes and pays tribute to the men and women who have worked at Mount McGregor who have passed and who have dedicated their life to public service, correctional services and the New York State Department of Corrections.  Each year DA Murphy attends and pays respect to the Corrections Officers, staff and employees of Mount McGregor correctional.  Murphy also is a member of the Mount McGregor Community Advisory Board which meets quarterly to address concerns regarding the correctional facility and provides information to the public regarding programming, projects and services at the facility. 

Chief Ed Moore of Saratoga Springs and Jim Murphy at a press conference regarding fatalities on Route 50 in Saratoga.

Saratoga Springs Chief Ed Moore and Jim Murphy working together on a case involving pedestrian safety on Route 50 in the city of Saratoga Springs.  A number of fatalities occurred due to poor weather conditions, inadequate lighting and in some cases criminal conduct including DWI, drugs or excessive speed.

Stewart's Shops President Gary Dake with Jim Murphy at a " Parent's Who Host Lose the Most" Press Conference at a Stewart's Shop.

Parent's who Host Lost the Most is an anti underage drinking initiative with a goal toward  educating parents and teens of the danger of underage drinking.  In particular, parents who host underage parties need to know that providing alcohol to someone less than 21 is a crime, punishable by up to a year in jail.  Further, as well intended as a parent may be regarding underage drinking, parties often get out of hand in today's world of instant messaging, email, and cell phones.  Stewart's Shops collaborated with the DA's office to educate the public about the dangers of underage drinking by printing valuable information on the side of milk cartons they sell at their more than 350 stores through New York and Vermont. 

DA Murphy meets with legislators as President of the District Attorneys' Association of the State of New York

As President of the District Association of the State of New York, Jim Murphy meets with legislators including Senator Bruno and other district attorneys in order to help educate the legislature on important criminal justice initiatives.  Here a number of district attorneys came to Albany to report on the importance of Operation Impact.  This program targets repeat, violent and often times armed criminals in order to ensure that these individuals are held responsible for their criminal conduct. Pictured is the Monroe County District Attorney Mike Greene, Erie County District Attorney Frank Clark, Allegheny County District Attorney Terry Parker, Livingston County District Attorney Tom Moran, Steuben County District Attorney John Tunney, Schenectady County District Attorney Bob Carney and Franklin County District Attorney Derek Champagne.  Sitting in the front row, center is Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno.

A delegation of district attorneys pose with Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, after discussing drug treatment courts, Operation Impact, Integrated Domestic Violence Courts, and other important legislative initiatives in the Senator's conference room at the New York State Capitol Building.