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Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
District of Vermont

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Nikolas Kerest
, United States Attorney

U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes Exceptional Law Enforcement Work at Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony

Burlington, Vermont – On November 8, 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont honored a number of individuals from a variety of law enforcement agencies at the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony. Individual investigators and officers from federal, state, and local agencies were nominated by U.S. Attorney’s Office staff in a variety of categories for their outstanding work supporting the mission of this office and promoting public safety. The specific categories and individuals recognized today are as follows:

Investigative Excellence Award: This category includes recipients whose actions led directly to an arrest of a dangerous subject or to the exposure of a significant criminal or civil conspiracy.

  • Lieutenant Frank Scalise, Milton Police Department and former Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Officer – nominated for United States v. Deamontae Luchie, et al.
  • Deputy Marshal Max Galusha, United States Marshals Service – nominated for United States v. Lisa Miller, et al.
  • Detective Sergeant Ashley “Skip” Barnes, Vermont State Police – nominated for United States v. Krystal Whitcomb, et al.

Investigative Achievement Award: This award is for those individuals, both sworn and non-sworn who have significantly contributed to the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

  • Special Agent Jennie Emmons, Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Special Agent John Schroeder, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation
  • Special Agent Anders Ostrum, Internal Revenue Service -Criminal Investigation
  • Resident Agent in Charge Derek Roy, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations
    • All nominated for United States v. Ariel Quiros, William Kelly, and William Stenger

Outstanding Collaborative Investigation Award: This category recognizes those who have demonstrated outstanding efforts to overcome significant challenges in collaboration with multiple agencies in order to meet the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

  • Special Agent Eric Boyce, Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Analyst Virginia Churchill, Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Special Agent Stephanie Dubuc, Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Special Agent Jennie Emmons, Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Special Agent Eric Gempp, United States Coast Guard Investigative
  • Service Special Agent Michael Jankowiak, Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Special Agent Lisa Tutty, Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Special Agent Kellie Senecal, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
    • All nominated for outstanding collaborative investigation in United States v. Nathan Carman.
  • Special Agent Samuel Brown, on behalf of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
  • Detective Eric Dalla Mura, on behalf of the Burlington Police Department
    • Both nominated as their agency representatives for outstanding collaborative investigation in United States v. Lesine Woodson, et al.

Award recipients gathered today at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by colleagues and family. Each recipient received an engraved award commemorating their outstanding efforts. U.S. Attorney Kerest stated: “It is a special honor to recognize law enforcement officers like today’s awardees, who represent the very best of this noble work and contribute so much to Vermont. I also want to thank our awardees’ family members and loved ones whose care and encouragement make the accomplishments recognized today possible.”

Boston Field Division