United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

FIVE DISTRICT EMPLOYEES RECEIVE DIRECTOR'S AWARD

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced today that Attorney General John Ashcroft presented five employees of the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut with Executive Office for United States Attorneys' 2003 Director's Awards during a ceremony this afternoon in Washington, D.C. The recipients are Ronald S. Apter, Leonard C. Boyle, John H. Durham, Mary T. Lapitino and William J. Nardini.

Ronald S. Apter was recognized for "Superior Performance as an Assistant United States Attorney" for his successful prosecution of former Bridgeport Mayor Joseph P. Ganim and 12 others on charges of racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, extortion, mail fraud, bribery, conspiracy, and filing false income tax returns. The 13 convictions followed a four-year investigation by several federal agencies ("Operation Hardball") and a two-month trial. Ganim is currently serving a nine-year federal prison sentence. Ron Apter is a Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney in the District's Hartford office.

John H. Durham, Leonard C. Boyle and William J. Nardini were also recognized for "Superior Performance as an Assistant United States Attorney." The three were nominated by the United States Attorney's Office in the District of Massachusetts for their efforts in successfully prosecuting retired FBI agent John J. Connolly, Jr. Following a two-week trial in May, 2002, a Boston jury found Connolly guilty of racketeering, obstruction of justice, lying to the FBI, bribery and leaking FBI information to James "Whitey" Bulger and Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi, two leaders of the notorious south Boston-based "Winter Hill Gang." Connolly received the maximum federal prison sentence of ten years and one month. Currently, John Durham is the Deputy United States Attorney, Len Boyle is Counsel to the United States Attorney, and Bill Nardini is an Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Appeals Chief. All work in the District's New Haven Office.

Mary T. Lapitino received a 2003 "Appreciation Award for Contributions that Enhance the Missions of the Executive Office for United States Attorneys and the United States Attorneys' Offices." Mary Lapitino, a 20-year federal employee, joined the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Haven in 1985 and has served as the District's Administrative Officer since 1990. In her position, she is responsible for providing a comprehensive support program for the entire office, including financial management, human resources, information resource management, contracting and procurement, records management and security.

"It is tremendously gratifying that the efforts of Ron, John, Len, Bill and Mary have been recognized with these awards," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated. "They are more than dedicated and hard-working Department of Justice employees – they are extraordinary individuals. I am honored to work in their company, and the citizens of this state should feel fortunate that these five federal employees call Connecticut home."

The Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) provides oversight, general executive assistance and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys' offices around the country.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
Tel: (203) 821-3722
Cell: (203) 996-1393