Asst. U.S. Attorney Honored With 2019 Neil J. Houston, Jr. Award

PROVIDENCE – Assistant United States Attorney Sandra R. Hebert, Deputy Criminal Chief for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island, has been awarded a 2019 Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Award by Justice Assistance.

Ms. Hebert is one of four 2019 Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Award recipients honored at the 38^th annual awards presentation by Justice Assistance “for dedicated service and citizen contribution toward the justice profession and the public interest.”

The Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Award is named in memory of Neil J. Houston, Jr., a Cranston resident, who dedicated his career toward the betterment of the criminal justice system and assisting the individuals who pass through it.  Prior to his untimely passing, Mr. Houston was the Director of the Gardiner Howland Shaw Foundation in Massachusetts--which funds reforms of the criminal justice system, and the Frederick E. Weber Charities Corporation--a nonprofit organization that helps individuals in need.  

Ms. Hebert joined the United States Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island in June of 2006, after having served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Texas – Midland/Odessa Division.  During her Justice Department career, AUSA Hebert has investigated and prosecuted hundreds of defendants and conducted numerous jury trials.  Notably, AUSA Hebert prosecuted wiretap cases, substantial fraud cases, and numerous child exploitation cases.  Prior to joining the Department, Ms. Hebert served for four years in the United States Army as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in Waco, Texas, where she investigated and prosecuted civilians accused of committing offenses on Fort Hood.  

United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman said, “Ms. Hebert’s award is so well-deserved and timely.  Her dedicated service to the United States in the prosecution of criminal offenses, day in and day out, is, and continues to be, an inspiration not only to the Department of Justice, but also to all players in the justice profession and those serving the public interest.”

Also honored with a 2019 Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Award are Joseph P. Ippolito, Jr., Magistrate, Rhode Island District Court; Lynette J. Labinger, Attorney-at-Law; and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections’ Correctional Industries.

Justice Assistance also honored Noah J. Kilroy, Attorney-at-Law, by presenting him with the 2019 R. Kevin Horan Emerging Leader Award. The Emerging Leader Award is named for R. Kevin Horan, Attorney-at-Law, founding member of Justice Assistance’s Board of Directors and dedicated organization sponsor.  Justice Assistance’s Emerging Leader Award recognizes a young professional who has demonstrated an enthusiasm and ability to impact his or her community in an effective and meaningful manner.  This promising leader has the potential to effect positive, longstanding change in a complex and always changing society.  The R. Kevin Horan Emerging Leader Award is not given out annually. 

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