CRIME VICTIM'S RIGHT'S WEEK CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL IN SARATOGA SPRINGS AT THE NEW ENGLAND CONGREGATIONAL PREBYTERIAN CHURCH REMEMBERING CRIME VICTIMS ON APRIL 21, 2013.

AWARD RECEPIENTS JOHN KELLY OF THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN AND THE SARATOGA CENTER FOR THE FAMILY'S CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER AND SARATOGA COUNTY DA'S OFFICE CRIME VICTIM UNIT'S LISA HOGAN.  2013 DISTRICT ATTORNEY PUBLIC  SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS.

DA Murphy and NYSP Troop "G" Major Steve James with Assistant DA's Jim Davis and Patrick Campion and NYSP BCI Senior Patricia Donovan announcing the indictment of Dennis Drue.

The DA's Office Shines the Light on Domestic Violence by Turning Saratoga County Purple in October of 2012

How can we work together to raise awareness of domestic violence? By “Shining a Light” on the subject and bringing it out of the darkness! “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” is a campaign that connects communities across New York by turning the state purple during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Members of the Saratoga County District Attorney's Office wear purple to bring about awareness of domestic violence

This is the fifth year of the campaign, coordinated by the NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. From skyscrapers to bridges, storefronts to shopping centers, purple lights illuminate the nights of October. People wear purple clothing while police cars and municipal vehicles display purple magnetic ribbons. This low or no-cost campaign has grown from several dozen participants in 2008 to more than 425 in 2011.

DA Murphy supports the mission of The Saratoga Palio and The Melanie Merola O'Donnell 5K/Half Marathon.

About Melanie Merola O’Donnell

Melanie Merola O’Donnell lived an inspirational life, and though it was cut short, it was extremely
full. Throughout her life, Melanie worked to help people in need. She volunteered with, and later
became a staff member of, the National Organization for Victim Assistance, and she was a board
member of the Capital Area Crisis Response Team for 8 years. She trained crisis responders for
both organizations until 2004. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Melanie
coordinated and managed 28 crisis response teams in New York City and 8 teams in
Washington. She also aided crisis responders in Somerset County, PA, following the attacks. She
spent several weeks in New York City, helping grieving families who were visiting the site of the
attacks and coping with the aftermath. She provided care to individuals affected by natural
disasters, plane crashes, school violence, the civil war in Sierra Leone, workplace violence, and
homicide. In June 2004, she was honored by CACRT as the first recipient of the Melanie Merola
O’Donnell Award for Excellence. At the time of her death, she was enrolled in a doctoral program
in clinical psychology at Antioch University New England, in Keene, NH. Amidst Melanie’s
professional responsibilities and accomplishments, her devotion to her husband, son, mother,
father, sister, family, and friends was never compromised.

Melanie's mother, Vicki, pictured below, is a Crime Victim Advocate at the Saratoga County District Attorney's Office.

(pictured l. to r.)   Jim Murphy, Kim Bryden, Vicki Merola and Erin Pierone at the 2012 Saratoga Palio: Melanie Merola O'Donnell 5K/Half Marathon, September 16, 2012. 

Fake IDs hit the county

National News Magazine, The Daily, focused on the fake ID mill "ID Chief" and the ease with which people can obtain fake IDs good enough to fool police and scanners which are supposed to catch forgeries.  Teens buy these on-line after providing sensitive personal information to overseas sites. 

The 2nd Annual Animal Advocacy Day with the NYS Legislature hosted by

Assemblyman Jim Tedisco.

(pictured l. to r.)  Marie Shelto, handler for Bocker (Labradoodle), Prince Lorenzo Borghese, Saratoga County DA James Murphy, and Julie Ann, Animal Advocate for Assemblyman Jim Tedisco.

Jim Murphy and Lorenzo Borghese speak about legislative reform with Julie Ann representing Assemblyman Tedisco.

DA Murphy, NYS Park Commissioner Rose Harvey, right, NYS Park Police Chief O'Donnell, meet to discuss the Zero tolerance Alcohol that has reduced crime at SPAC and at the park dramatically over the past three years.

DA James Murphy celebrates The Prevention Council's 30th Anniversary with former Executive Director Judy Ekman (foreground) and current Executive Director Heather Kisselbeck (left) at an open house at the offices on Phila Street in Saratoga Springs.  Murphy has been involved with the the Prevention Council for 15 years.

DA James Murphy speaking at a press conference along with Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Liz Glazer emphasizing the importance of a need for a statewide database for the archiving, organizing and accessing of "domestic incident reports" (DIRs) for police and prosecutors across NYS.

DA James Murphy attended the John of Kennedy School of Government's Executive Education Program at Harvard University and received a Certificate in Leadership along with other members of the Class of 2011.

DA James Murphy with Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Karen Carpenter Palumbo, center, along with (l to r) Mechanicville Police Chief Joe Waldron, and Prevention Council members Pat Marin and Judy Ekman.

DA James Murphy, Sr. Inv. Patricia Donovan and retiring Child Advocacy Director Loretta Sommerville receives an award thanking her for her service to child victims in the capital district from law enforcement.

District Attorney James Murphy comments on the importance of taking DNA from all those convicted of finger printable offenses in NY and supports the Governor's bill 

Area DAs join forces on gun safety

District Attorney James Murphy joins the NYS District Attorneys at a press conference at the Capitol advocating for gun safety legislation.

Fortunately, violent crime in NY and in Saratoga County continues to drop dramatically.  Saratoga County, in the last 12 months saw a decrease in violent crime of about 12%. 

Our streets are safer thanks to programs like "Operation Impact" where state monies target the counties with the largest gang, drug and violence problem. While Saratoga is fortunate in that we are not an "Impact" county, we do border three counties that are designated as "Impact Counties".

Saratoga County District Attorney James Murphy and Saratoga County Sheriff Jim Bowen have worked together as prosecutor and Sheriff for more than 20 years. Soon, the Sheriff's Department and all the law enforcement agencies in the county will have the ability to digitally record statements of the defendant for use in court before a judge and jury.  Saratoga County is on the cutting edge of new technology thanks to a grant from DCJS and the County Board of Supervisors. Special rooms are being constructed and officers are presently being trained. 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Wear purple on October 19th in support of victims of domestic violence. The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and the Saratoga County District Attorney's Office remind readers that most homicides are between those who are familiar with one another. 

District Attorney James Murphy speaks at area high schools regarding internet safety and social media, including Facebook, My Space and chat rooms

The District Attorney Public Service Awards for 2011:  Lisa Chamberlain, Youth Court Coordinator; Erin Pierone, Crime Victim Advocate; John Brooks, Senior Inv. NYSP

Congressman Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam), Mary Jean Coleman of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and, District Attorney James Murphy gather at the "Out of the Darkness" Community Walk.  2011 marked the 7th Annual Walk in memory of Rita Leighton, MD.  R.I.T.A. (Remembrance, Intervention, Together (we can bring,) Awareness)

Sgt. Ray Cordani of the Stillwater Police Dept. receives a law enforcement appreciation award from District Attorney James Murphy and Prevention Council Executive Director Heather Kisselback.

Congressman Chris Gibson (R-Kinderhook) and District Attorney Attorney James Murphy discuss federal criminal justice and local grant initiatives to combat violent crime.   

Saratoga County Prevention Council Law Enforcement Appreciation Breakfast: September 2011.  Officers named below were joined by District Attorney James Murphy, Prevention Council Executive Director Heather Kisselback, Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, and STOP DWI Coordinator Robert Murphy.

The following law enforcement officers were honored:

• Trooper Ken Ahigian, of the New York State Police Department, was honored for his dedication to removing intoxicated drivers from the roads. His paperwork and files have been used as examples of the kind of complete and thorough work required in the prosecution of driving while intoxicated and other alcohol-related cases.

• Sgt. Ray Cordani, of the Stillwater Police Department, has been employed by the department for 19 years. Cordani has worked with the district attorney’s office to improve communication and facilitate the successful prosecution of impaired drivers. He has also worked to improve his department’s policies, procedures and tactics for handling and following through on DWI cases. He makes numerous DWI arrests on his own and regularly investigates and takes action on underage drinking parties within the community. Last year, on his own time, Cordani organized and coordinated a comprehensive DWI Trial Testimony course for his department in preparation for prom and graduation season.

• Sgt. Dan Morley, of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department, was honored for his commitment to keeping communities safe throughout the county. His thorough reports provide a solid foundation for the DA’s office to prosecute alcohol-related cases.

• Trooper Dale Palmer, of the New York State Police Department, has been very proactive in underage drinking enforcement over the last year. As a school resource officer at Shenendehowa Central School District, he developed many positive and proactive contacts within the community. He is one of the top DWI enforcers at the Clifton Park station.

• Sgt. Andrew Prestigiacomo, of the Saratoga Springs Police Department, a 16-year veteran of law enforcement, is a member of the Traffic Safety Board, Saratoga-Warren County Traffic Task Force and Saratoga’s Safe Routes to School Committee. He is currently responsible for traffic safety initiatives including STOP DWI enforcement, aggressive/distracted driving and motorcycle and pedestrian safety.

• Sgt. Timothy Sicko, of the Saratoga Springs Police Department, has more than 16 years of law enforcement experience, serving as a patrolman, a DARE officer and a community police officer and investigator in Saratoga Springs. In that capacity, he has served in both the criminal and narcotics units for the past 6 years. Over the years, he has forged working relationships with bars and clubs in the downtown area in order to provide a safer environment for their patrons. This past spring, after a brawl at a downtown bar, he worked tirelessly with the State Liquor Authority to investigate illegal activity, ultimately resulting in an emergency SLA board hearing which resulted in the revocation of the bar’s liquor license.

• Trooper Michael Tromblee, of the New York State Police Department, has demonstrated his commitment to the prosecution of DWI cases in his meticulous and comprehensive paperwork and his attention to the details of each case. His preparedness is unmatched and his pleasant demeanor is unwavering.

NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and District Attorney James

work together to combat theft of public funds

NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, left, NYS Police Major William Sprague and Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy, III, at right, announce a state audit that resulted in the arrest of Charlton Fire Dept. treasurer Virginia DeCapria on charges of stealing up to $500,000 during a news conference Wednesday Sept. 14, 2011. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

NYSP Major William Sprague, NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and

District Attorney James Murphy discuss an investigation of theft of

public funds in Saratoga County.

State Police Major William Sprague, left, state Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, and Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy, III, at right during a news conference Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011, to announce a state audit that led to the arrest of Charlton Fire Dept. treasurer Virginia DeCapria on charges of stealing up to $500,000.

(John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

District Attorney James Murphy looks on while the Victim in the Hernandez Lopez case speaks out for the first time to the media about the harrowing ordeal she went through as her abductor threatened her. This brave young woman not only confronted her abductor at the time of the sentencing in the courtroom and addressed him face to face, but also had the courage to speak out after the sentencing to the media and encourage other women who are victims of crimes to come forward and not be afraid.  She is an inspiration to victims everywhere and she is a role model for how she took a terrifying situation and directed that emotion into a life's mission of helping others. She was honored at the 2010 Crime Victim's Annual Candlelight Vigil and received the DA's Annual Public Service Award for her incredible resilience in fighting of this man who very likely would have raped her and killed her as he threatened to do while he pointed a loaded gun at her. He is presently serving a lengthy sentence in a state correctional facility.

Working side by side is part of the relationship that the District Attorney enjoys with Saratoga County Sheriff James Bowen.

Saratoga County Distinct Attorney looks on while Saratoga County Sheriff

James Bowen discusses the details of an investigation and subsequent arrest of a Sheriff's Deputy charged with

sexual contact with a woman while on duty.  The deputy has been fired, convicted and incarcerated.

District Attorney James Murphy and New York State Police Major William Sprague at a news conference involving the disappearance of a young woman from the county. 

Congressman Carleton J. King, District Attorney Murphy's grandfather, also served as District Attorney

Before being elected to seven terms in the U. S. House of Representatives representing what is now the 20th Congressional District, Carleton J. King served as the Saratoga County District Attorney.  As District Attorney he had a close relationship with law enforcement, judges and the defense bar.  He was tough yet compassionate and realized that Saratoga was unlike a lot of other counties due to the nature of the motto "health, history and horses", and it was the horses the he loved, often watching the races, but never betting. 

He believed in public service and using private, independent means for the greater good.  He was instrumental in the creation of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center when he and Nelson Rockefeller had an idea to bring the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Philharmonic to upstate New York.  His vision was a world class acoustically perfect summer venue beneath the pine forest and beside the springs within the New York State Park at Saratoga.  He was a patron of the arts, supporter of a public national parks system, and an advocate of historic preservation. 

He served with distinction as the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee and traveled extensively in an effort to experience and understand other cultures, other forms of government and to make what he believed "important personal relationships, that might some day prevent conflict."  After his retirement from Congress, and upon his return to upstate New York where he had represented the capital Saratoga region, King accepted an appointment by his longtime friend President Gerald B. Ford to the important post of Chairman of the Board of Visitors of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served as Chair for several years attending numerous graduations and of course Army football games.  He and his wife Constance retired to their home in Florida, until his death.

The New York Racing Association and District Attorney Murphy want

to make sure that the public enjoys their summer experience

at the nation's oldest racecourse. 

Saratoga County District Attorney James Murphy speaking just prior to the opening of the New York Racing Association's summer meet at historic Saratoga Racetrack.  NYRA, the Center for Problem Gambling and the

Prevention Council joined the DA's Office in deterring underage gambling.

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" Fund raiser

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 fund raising 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.

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.

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 District Attorney 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.