Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 12/31/02

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Chief Deputy Larry Scoufos Crime Victim Advisory Chairperson: Jack DeMeo - (707) 545-3232

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

PASSALACQUA FORMS COMMITTEE
TO IMPROVE CRIME VICTIMS SERVICES

District Attorney-Elect Stephan Passalacqua has formed an Advisory Committee to look at new ways to improve services to crime victims and witnesses.

“The work of the Crime Victims Advisory Committee will be the first of many steps to ensure that crime victims, witnesses and their families’ experiences with the criminal justice system are as compassionate, safe and productive as possible,” stated Passalacqua.

According to Passalacqua, the Committee will focus on crime victims’ support programs and court-related services. On December 10, 2002, the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution which transferred the Victim Witness Program from the Probation Department to the Office of the District Attorney. The Crime Victims Advisory Committee will provide Passalacqua with specific policy and organizational recommendations during the week of May 19, 2003.

The Committee is composed of ten members, each with a wealth of experience in either crime victims’ rights, criminal justice or local government.

Those named to the Crime Victims Advisory Committee are:

Retired Judge William Bettinelli Attorney John DeMeo Retired Supervisor Nick Esposti Attorney Kim Clement Patrick Broderick, Dean of Empire Law School

Attorney Dee Schillings Attorney Bernabe Hernandez Attorney Martin Reilley Attorney Mike Merrill Victim Advocate Miriam Gaon

“I am extremely grateful to each of these individuals who have agreed to donate their time and expertise to address support services for crime victims and their families,” Passalacqua added.

The Advisory Committee will hold its first meeting during the month of January at the Law Offices of DeMeo & DeMeo. John DeMeo will serve as chairperson. Mr. DeMeo is a partner in the law firm of DeMeo & DeMeo, and he presently serves on the board for the Valley of the Moon Children’s Center.

Stephan Passalacqua, 39, will officially become the next District Attorney of the County of Sonoma on January 6, 2003, at 12:01 p.m. The Board of Supervisors will hold a public swearing-in ceremony for elected officials of the County of Sonoma on Tuesday,
January 7, 2003, at 8:30 a.m. at the County Administration Building in Santa Rosa.