Members of U.S. Attorney's Office Honored at Attorney General's Awards in Washington D.C.

BOSTON –Members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts were recognized yesterday by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland at the 70th and 71st Annual Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. for their extraordinary contributions to the enforcement of our nation’s laws. Award recipients from both 2022 and 2023 were selected from a group of more than 800 Justice Department employees nominated from across the country.

“Each of today’s recipients has served with distinction, and in so doing, they have enabled the Justice Department to advance its work on behalf of the American people,” said Attorney General Garland. “Their exceptional leadership, heroism, and dedication have benefited people and communities across the country.”

The following individuals were presented with the Distinguished Service Award, the Department’s second highest award for employee performance, for their investigation and prosecution in a Higher Education Admissions Fraud Case: 

• Stephen E. Frank, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Kristen A. Kearney, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Leslie A. Wright, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Ian J. Stearns, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Kriss R. Basil, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Alexia R. DeVincentis, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Carol E. Head, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Justin D. O’Connell, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Lauren M. George, Financial Investigator, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Laura C. Smith, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; 
• Kaitlyn A. Cedrone, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office;
• Keith T. Brown, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office;
• Chris Gianakura, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office;
• Elizabeth A. Keating, Special Agent, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and 
• Mark G. Deckett, Special Agent, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Education, Boston Field Office.

“This outstanding team of individuals worked tirelessly to investigate, prosecute and hold accountable dozens of individuals who sought to cheat the college admissions process. From the outset, this case has stood for the principle that we do not have a two-tiered system of justice in this country and that everyone – regardless of wealth, power or fame – must operate under the same set of rules. This case reaffirmed that principle,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This case resulted in concrete changes to make the college admissions process more fair. We are deeply proud of this team, and of the lasting and far-reaching impact their extraordinary work has had.”

In March 2019, dozens of individuals from across the country were arrested and charged for their involvement in a nationwide conspiracy, led by William “Rick” Singer, that facilitated cheating on college entrance exams and the admission of students to elite universities as purported athletic recruits. 

Hector Radhames Gonzalez, an Information Technology Specialist for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, was honored posthumously with the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Administrative Support. This distinguished award recognizes Justice Department employees who have demonstrated outstanding administrative or managerial achievements. Mr. Gonzalez’s wife and oldest son attended the ceremony and received the award on Mr. Gonzalez’s behalf. 

“Hector’s expertise and knowledge as well as his friendly and comforting manner of providing confident support allowed our Office to focus on their own areas of expertise. His approach to his responsibilities embodied excellence – both as an Information Technology professional and as a public servant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Levy. “Hector Gonzalez was an exceptional colleague who made a difference in our lives on a daily basis. His collegiality, friendship and technical skills touched each of us and made us all better.”