Since October, Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III has sworn in seven Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs) for the Northern District of New York. These appointments allow the ADAs to prosecute cases in federal court while continuing their roles at the county level.
The newly appointed SAUSAs are First ADA Michael T. Johnson from Herkimer County; Chief ADA J. Sam Rodgers from Madison County; ADAs Manpreet Kaur and Kathleen Hofmann from Montgomery County; and Chief ADA Christopher Bednarski along with Senior ADAs Sara Fitzpatrick and Alphonse L. Williams III from Onondaga County.
Sarcone emphasized the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies, stating: “One of my top goals as the Acting U.S. Attorney is to strengthen the partnerships among federal, state and local law enforcement organizations. When we work seamlessly together, more criminals are taken off the street, more weapons are taken out of their hands, and our communities are safer. I am proud to welcome more ADAs as SAUSAs, and I thank District Attorneys Jeffrey S. Carpenter, Christina Pearson, William Fitzpatrick, and Robert A. Mascari for their partnership in this important endeavor.”
Herkimer County District Attorney Jeffrey S. Carpenter highlighted the significance of this appointment for his office: “Herkimer County First Assistant District Attorney, Michael Johnson, was recently sworn in by Acting US Attorney John Sarcone as a Special Assistant US Attorney. This honor, the first in Herkimer County’s history, exemplifies the commitment by AUSA Sarcone to ensure the continued safety of the residents of Herkimer County through a joint partnership between our two agencies.”
Montgomery County DA Christina Pearson also commented on her office’s participation: “This is an exciting opportunity for my office and for the people of Montgomery County, and I thank Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone for his continued partnership. I am confident ADAs Kaur and Hofmann will represent Montgomery County with integrity and distinction.”
Onondaga County DA William Fitzpatrick expressed appreciation for enhanced cooperation across jurisdictions: “I want to personally thank my friend US Attorney John Sarcone for following through on his initial promise to work cooperatively with all 32 DAs Offices within the jurisdiction of the Northern District of New York. Through his cross designations of members of my office as Special Assistant US Attorneys, I look forward to working with John on crimes involving gun trafficking, gang violence, child pornography and human trafficking, and narcotic sales all in an effort to keep Onondaga County one of the safest places to live in New York State.”
Acting Madison County DA Robert A. Mascari noted: “The opportunity provided by Acting United States Attorney John Sarcone to have my Chief Assistant District Attorney Sam Rodgers appointed as a Special Assistant United States Attorney is greatly appreciated. Reaching out to counties like Madison in this way speaks volumes to the willingness of Mr. Sarcone and the federal agencies to work closely with Madison County on matters of mutual concern. I know Sam is the perfect person for this appointment and being our connection to the United States Attorney’s Office. We look forward to working with Mr. Sarcone and his staff to improve and promote public safety throughout Central New York.”
The appointments reflect ongoing efforts by federal prosecutors in northern New York State to build stronger ties with local district attorneys’ offices.
