District Attorney Bob Lee announced today that three employees from the District Attorney’s Office won awards for outstanding service to the office and the Santa Cruz community. Each employee was presented a plaque commemorating their service and accomplishments, and had their name added to a permanent plaque on display in the District Attorney’s Office.
Ms. Celia Rowland was recognized as Prosecutor of the Year for her efforts in numerous high- profile criminal cases. In 2013, she won convictions on Maurice Ainsworth, who was facing trial for home invasion when he overpowered a deputy, stole her firearm, and escaped, terrorizing a preschool and a residential neighborhood before being recaptured. She also convicted double murderer Jaime Galdamez-Guevara, who shot two men at point blank range and then fled.
Ms. Debbie Hartman was recognized for Service Excellence and Organizational Effectiveness for her efforts as the Deputy Public Administrator. Ms. Hartman is the sole public administrator for probate estates of those who are indigent or pass away without a will. In 2013, Ms. Hartman organized more than forty funeral services for indigent residents, and handled more than 120 cases involving some $800,000 in assets. She also worked to connect indigent residents with their family members in cases of death or serious injury.
Finally, Inspector Katrina Rogers won Inspector of the Year for the office. Inspector Rogers has been investigating sexual assaults for more than eight years, and provided invaluable and tireless assistance in many high profile cases. She was the investigator assigned to the 2008 Harbor Rapist case, the first case where “familial” DNA was used to identify and convict the perpetrator. She was also the lead inspector for the Wensy Sanchez homicide, which resulted in a murder conviction, and is currently working on yet another homicide case.
For further information, contact District Attorney Bob Lee at 831 454-2400.