USAO Prosecution Team Awarded for Excellence in Legal Performance

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently recognized the work of its employees and others for extraordinary contributions to the enforcement of the nation’s laws at the 72nd Annual Attorney General’s Awards held Jan. 15, 2025, in Washington D.C. The event was celebrated at the DOJ’s Constitution Hall and followed by a reception for more than 400 award recipients and their guests.

The prosecution team from the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Ohio was among the award recipients for the successful outcome of the United States v. Aimenn Penny case.

Team members Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian S. Deckert, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew W. Shepherd, and Victim Witness Specialist Allison A. Kretz were honored with the John Marshall Award for “Excellence in Litigation,” one of the Department’s highest recognitions presented for contributions and excellence in specialized areas of legal performance.

The team was honored for its exceptional service in the prosecution of Penny for the 2023 firebombing of the Community Church of Chesterland, in Chesterland, Ohio. According to one of the nominators, the team’s exemplary cooperation and dedication allowed for the rapid identification and arrest of Penny, with the prosecution resulting in Penny receiving an 18-year prison sentence.

The investigative agents on the case from the FBI Cleveland Division, were also recognized at the ceremony.