U.S. Attorney’s Office Honors Several for Excellence in Service

Baltimore, Maryland - Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland (USAO-MD), honored 19 staff members, eight law enforcement officers, and one civilian, today, for their contributions to upholding the Office's mission.

USAO-MD hosted its annual awards ceremony at the Edward A. Garmatz United States District Courthouse where Hayes also introduced 19 new Assistant U.S. Attorneys, 10 Special Assistant United States Attorneys, and 17 other staff who joined the office since the beginning of 2025.

"Today we recognize the very best of what public service looks like. Our Assistant United States Attorneys, professional staff, and law enforcement partners bring extraordinary skill, integrity, and dedication to their work every single day," Hayes said. "These awards are a way to honor the countless hours and unwavering commitment behind every case completed, every victim served, and every criminal held accountable. I am extremely grateful for and proud of my office's and our partners' teamwork and professionalism in everything that we do to further our shared mission of protecting our communities."

During the ceremony, Hayes announced the following award recipients:

The Eugene P. "Pete" Twardowicz Award

• Donzell Tate, Special Agent, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General
• Kari Spaniol, Special Agent, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General
• George Wahl, Special Agent, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General
• Guy Petrillo, Special Agent, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General
• David Rutledge, Supervisory Forensic Accountant, Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Nicole Brianna Dell, Forensic Accountant, Federal Bureau of Investigation

This award recognizes law enforcement agents or officers for outstanding cooperation and achievement while working with the U.S. Attorney's Office. The award is named for Eugene P. (Pete) Twardowicz who rendered many years of outstanding service to the U.S. Attorney's Office as an IRS criminal investigator and a special investigator for this office.

Rod J. Rosenstein Award

Charles T. Gregory, Detective, Charles County Sheriff's Office

Established in 2017, the Rod J. Rosenstein Award is presented to a state and/or local investigator whose cooperative efforts and excellent work reflect the highest traditions of the law enforcement profession.

Hometown Hero Award

James "Jaime" Bradley, Detective Sergeant, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

Established by the Department of Justice, this award honors a law enforcement officer who demonstrates exceptional commitment to public service, and in particular, demonstrates partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Carl S. Lackl, Jr., Award

Aquana Murray

The Carl S. Lackl Award, established in 2008, is given in honor of Carl Stanley Lackl, Jr., for exemplary perseverance and fortitude in pursuit of justice. In 2006, Mr. Lackl witnessed a murder in Baltimore, identified the suspect, and then agreed to testify against the perpetrator. After law enforcement arrested the suspect, and the State charged him with the murder, the perpetrator (while incarcerated) used a contraband cellphone to contact co-conspirators to arrange to murder Mr. Lackl. Sadly, Mr. Lackl was shot to death outside his home in front of his daughter. All conspirators were convicted on federal charges.

Barnet Skolnik Award

AUSA Joseph Baldwin

This annual award honors one or more Assistant U.S. Attorneys who demonstrate outstanding professionalism, determination, and creativity in a case of unusual public significance. Barnet D. (Barney) Skolnik was a former Assistant U.S. Attorney who led teams that prosecuted numerous white-collar criminals and corrupt public officials in the 1970s, including Vice President Spiro T. Agnew.

U.S. Attorney's Office Awards for Excellence

Established in 2007, the U.S. Attorney's Awards for Excellence recognize Assistant U.S. Attorneys for excellence in civil advocacy, fraud prosecution, support of a law enforcement initiative, legal support, organized crime prosecution, and violent crime prosecution.

Civil Advocacy

AUSAs Jessica Dillon and Rebecca Koch

Fraud Prosecution

AUSAs Joshua Rosenthal and Darren Gardner

Law Enforcement Initiative

AUSAs Brooke Oki, Spencer Todd, and Carolyn Mills

Legal Support

Alisha Swiger, Andrew Murray, Kimberly Bolarinwa, and Kristy Penny

Organized Crime Prosecution

AUSA James Wallner

Violent Crime Prosecution

AUSAs Paul Budlow and Spencer Todd

Deborah A. Johnston Profile in Courage Award

AUSAs Coreen Mao and Thomas Sullivan

Established in 2019, the Deborah A. Johnston Profile in Courage Award is presented to one or more Assistant U.S. Attorneys who demonstrate extraordinary courage and commitment to duty while representing the United States. During her 23-year tenure, Ms. Johnston served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Chief of the Southern Division, and Senior Litigation Counsel for the office. Ms. Johnston fearlessly took on the most challenging prosecutions in pursuit of justice.

Employee of the Year

Jenaye Moye

The Employee of the Year Award, which is given for outstanding contributions exemplifying the highest traditions of the office, recognizes sustained superior performance and outstanding achievements by a non-attorney. This award also recognizes the recipient's professionalism, dedication, and comprehensive knowledge in their area of expertise.

Gary P. Jordan Award

AUSA Thomas Corcoran, Chief of the Civil Division

This is an award presented to an employee for exemplary performance and for upholding the highest traditions of the office: integrity, ingenuity, dedication to public service, and fairness. Gary P. Jordan served with distinction for many years, including as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, first assistant from March 29, 1987, until his death on October 25, 1996, and as interim U.S. Attorney in 1993.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended all the awardees and staff for their hard work and contributions to the success of the office.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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