Connecticut AUSA, Law Enforcement Officers Honored at Department of Justice’s Annual Awards Ceremony

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that Assistant United States Attorney Stephen B. Reynolds has been honored with an Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service for his role in the investigation and prosecution of Faisal Shahzad for the attempted bombing in Times Square in 2010. Also receiving awards for their participation in the investigation were members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (“JTTF”) in New Haven; Supervisory Special Agent Jon S. Hosney, Special Agents Jennifer A. Berry, Marc Roger LaFrance, Robert W. Hubbard, and Ron W. Offutt; George H. Leitkowski of the Connecticut State Police; and New York Police Department Detectives Thomas J. Reilly (retired), Joseph V. Mazzei, and Erick F. Hoovis.

The awards were presented October 19, 2011, during the 59th Annual Attorney General Awards Ceremony at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.

“This year’s award recipients have made significant contributions across, and far beyond, the Department of Justice and helped to protect the rights, safety and best interests of the citizens we are privileged to serve,” Attorney General Holder said. “I am grateful for the dedication and passion that these extraordinary public servants bring to their work, and I am honored to count them as colleagues.”

“I congratulate Steve and the JTTF members who have been honored with this prestigious award,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein. “Their tireless and superb work helped apprehend an individual who planned to murder many innocent people. Every day the dedicated public servants that comprise the JTTF work to thwart acts of terror, and I’m honored to serve in their company.”

AUSA Reynolds, Connecticut’s JTTF agents and officers, and several other members of federal, state, and local law enforcement were acknowledged for their quick response and coordination that led to the prosecution of Faisal Shahzad of Bridgeport for his attempted bombing in Times Square, New York City, on May 1, 2010. The team was under tremendous pressure to act quickly, and within 72 hours, Shahzad was identified and apprehended as the perpetrator. Throughout the investigation, the team gathered significant intelligence helpful to the U.S. government’s identification of a foreign terrorist organization.

Shahzad pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with 10 counts of terrorism-related offenses and, on October 5, 2010, he was sentenced to a lifetime term of imprisonment.

AUSA Reynolds has been with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut for approximately nine years and serves as Deputy Chief of the Office’s National Security and Major Crimes Unit. AUSA Reynolds also coordinates the District’s anti-terrorism program, which includes the aggressive investigation and prosecution of national security matters by counter-terrorism prosecutors and investigative agencies, a robust anti-terrorism training program, and the Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council (“ATAC”).

During yesterday’s award ceremony, Attorney General Holder recognized 340 Department of Justice employees and 44 other individuals for their distinguished public service and dedication to carrying out the Department of Justice’s mission.

The United States Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut, and with representing the federal government in civil litigation in the district. The district is composed of more than 60 Assistant United States Attorneys and approximately 55 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford, and Bridgeport.