U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes Employees for Outstanding Work in 2025

<p>CLEVELAND – The United States Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Ohio recently honored employees for outstanding work in support of the office’s mission during the 2025 calendar year. Award recipients were recognized at the office’s annual USAO Awards during an in-house ceremony April 17.</p><blockquote><p>“Each year, we recognize a special group of employees for their exceptional achievements. The contributions of these men and women—whether behind the scenes or in the courtroom—are critical in executing our mission to protect the public by aggressively enforcing the law,” said United States Attorney <strong>David M. Toepfer</strong>. “These recognitions signify our deep appreciation for their hard work and dedication to serving our office, and to the people of Northern Ohio.”</p></blockquote><p>USAO employees were recognized across administrative, criminal and civil divisions and are as follows:</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Career Achievement Award</strong></p><p>Awarded to an attorney with more than 15 years of experience and demonstrated superior professionalism in the execution of duties, excellence in leadership and mentorship throughout their USAO career.</p><ul><li>Assistant United States Attorney <strong>Robert Corts</strong>, Criminal Division Chief</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Attorney of the Year</strong></p><p>Awarded for outstanding overall performance and demonstrated a superior commitment to the interests of justice and the USAO mission.</p><ul><li>Assistant United States Attorney <strong>Joseph Czerwien</strong>, Financial Litigation Unit</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Supervisor of the Year</strong></p><p>Awarded for superior management skills and excellence in leadership.</p><ul><li>Assistant United States Attorney <strong>Elliot Morrison</strong>, White Collar Crimes Unit Chief</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Support Staff Career Achievement Award</strong></p><p>Awarded to a staff member with more than 15 years of experience who demonstrated superior professionalism in the execution of duties, excellence in leadership and mentorship throughout their USAO career.</p><ul><li><strong>Karen Vesely</strong>, Paralegal Specialist</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Support Excellence</strong></p><p>Awarded for outstanding performance for a particular project/case/duty or series of projects/cases/duties in a respective office division:</p><ul><li>Excellence in Administrative Support: <strong>Andrew Hejl</strong>, Information Technology Specialist</li><li>Excellence in Civil Support: <strong>Tina Tennant</strong>, Paralegal Specialist</li><li>Excellence in Criminal Support: <strong>Ekaterina Marceta</strong>, Paralegal Specialist</li><li>Excellence in Criminal Support: <strong>Kristen Eder</strong>, Legal Assistant</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Excellence in Criminal Advocacy</strong></p><p>Awarded to the Project Safe Childhood prosecution team for their work to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.</p><ul><li><strong>Margaret Kane</strong>, Assistant U.S. Attorney</li><li><strong>Tracey Tangeman</strong>, Assistant U.S. Attorney</li><li><strong>Jennifer King</strong>, Assistant U.S. Attorney</li><li><strong>Sara Al-Sorghali</strong>, Assistant U.S. Attorney</li><li><strong>Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel</strong>, Assistant U.S. Attorney</li><li><strong>Carol Skutnik</strong>, Assistant U.S. Attorney</li><li><strong>Joseph Dangelo</strong>, Assistant U.S. Attorney</li><li><strong>Frank Spryszak</strong>, Assistant U.S. Attorney</li><li><strong>Peter Daly</strong>, Assistant U.S. Attorney</li><li><strong>Allison Kretz</strong>, Victim Assistance Specialist</li><li><strong>Gail Hollis</strong>, Victim Assistance Specialist</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Excellence in Civil Advocacy</strong></p><p>Awarded to the litigation team of a medical malpractice action:</p><ul><li><strong>Kimberly Lubrani</strong>, Assistant U.S. Attorney</li><li><strong>James Bennett</strong>, Assistant U.S. Attorney</li><li><strong>Karen Vesely</strong>, Paralegal Specialist</li><li><strong>Tina Tennant</strong>, Paralegal Specialist</li><li><strong>Devin Zabarsky</strong>, Paralegal Specialist</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Merit Award</strong></p><p>Awarded to the prosecution team of a complex cryptocurrency/cybercrime case:</p><ul><li><strong>James Morford</strong>, Assistant U.S. Attorney</li><li><strong>Daniel Riedl</strong>, Assistant U.S. Attorney</li><li><strong>Henry DeBaggis</strong>, Assistant U.S. Attorney</li><li><strong>Jason Katz</strong>, Assistant U.S. Attorney</li><li><strong>Bridget Gedeon</strong>, Asset Forfeiture Contractor</li><li><strong>Kristin Thresher</strong>, Asset Forfeiture Contractor</li><li><strong>Carol Farago</strong>, Asset Forfeiture Contractor</li></ul><p>For more information on career opportunities with the USAO, visit <a href="https://www.usajobs.gov/">usajobs.gov</a> to search for openings in Cleveland, Toledo, Youngstown, or Akron. To learn more about the Northern District of Ohio, visit <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh">justice.gov/usao-ndoh</a>.</p>