Investigators of the Year
Vincent T. Savadel
Counterintelligence Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Office
Counterintelligence Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Office SA Savadel is nominated for his outstanding accomplishments as it relates to the investigations of Hostile Intelligence Services (HIS). An extremely talented, diligent and proactive Special Agent, SA Savadel, with more than 34 years of Bureau service, has successfully managed several significant technical operations which have identified and neutralized the clandestine activities of HIS against the interests of the U.S. As an SA for a technical squad within the NYO's Counterintelligence Division, SA Savadel, drawing upon years of successful operational experience against HIS, meticulously devised a technical operational strategy for the identification and neutralization of their clandestine activities. In implementing this strategy, SA Savadel received unrestricted support from Executive Management of the NYO. He established effective working relationships with members of the U.S. Intelligence Community (USIC). SA Savadel's operational directives resulted in the development of a highly effective Intelligence Base which provided vital information on the activities of the HIS and their agents. As a result of these operations, the Bureau and members of the USIC have developed significant and substantial intelligence, which was extensively used in the neutralization of HIS, as well as providing valuable foreign intelligence which was utilized by the Executive Branch in implementing foreign policy. SA Savadel's knowledge of counterintelligence technical matters and professional interaction with his investigative colleagues and peers have gained him the respect and admiration from the USIC. His operational knowledge and guidance are crucial as the Bureau and the USIC continue to address its national security threat and develop foreign policy.
Roy J. Wright
Deputy United States Marshal, Eastern District of New York
Deputy United States Marshal Roy J. Wright is currently a lead investigator assigned to the United States Marshal Service New York / New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. The NY/NJ RFTF, created in 2003 served as the USMS flagship for interagency cooperation among fugitive investigators and its task force model has been replicated throughout the United States. Deputy Wright is a persistent and tireless investigator who serves with pride in taking the "Worst of the Worst" off the streets. Deputy Wright recently was tasked with conducting an interview of Jason Gerhard, a known associate of Ed and Elaine Brown. The Browns were wanted for failure to appear for trial on Tax Evasion charges in the District of New Hampshire. At the time they were fugitives who were holed up in their fortified concrete home for nearly eight months, and all efforts to communicate with them were met with threats of violence. Information was developed that Gerhard was a supporter of the Browns and their anti government cause. It was known he had visited with and spent time at the Brown compound. Deputy Wright and Detective Joseph Thomas, Suffolk County Police Department, responded to Gerhard's home in Brookhaven, N.Y., where interviews were conducted of associates and family members. Information developed resulted in the recovery of crucial evidence consisting of an active pipe bomb, three long arms, multiple boxes of ammunition, receipts for the purchase of weapons, night vision equipment, a lap top computer with CDs and memory cards and anti-government literature. Jason Gerhard was arrested at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri after joining the United States Army where he was receiving military and explosive training. Deputy Wright's continuing attention to detail and professionalism was displayed during Gerhard's trial which resulted in a guilty verdict. Gerhard received a sentence of 20 years for material support and possession of explosives.
Christopher Stefanac
Special Agent, New York Field Office, United States Secret Service
Special Agent Chris Stefanac, assigned to the New York Field Office's (NYFO) Electronic Crimes Task Force, is nominated for the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation Investigator of the Year Award for his continued and outstanding service to the United States Secret Service's electronic surveillance program over the last two years. Since joining the group, SA Stefanac has participated in well over one hundred (100) investigations conducted by the New York Field Office's electronic surveillance program. He has assisted numerous federal, state and local agencies on cases ranging from homicides to white collar crimes. His dedication along with other members of the NYFO's electronic surveillance program has afforded this office the #1 ranking for Secret Service offices in "field operation responses" for the last three years. SA Stefanac's technical mastery of data mining capabilities and techniques used to assist case agents has proven invaluable. He has assisted these investigators by using his knowledge of pen registers/trap & trace devices, wiretaps, call detail analysis, target link analysis and target development. SA Stefanac's commitment, dedication and willingness to serve have provided a technological advantage to federal, state, and local agencies in this area. His sustained investigative efforts have led to numerous arrests, search warrants and asset forfeitures. SA Stefanac acknowledges his success is due to the support and commitment of his colleagues and recognizes that credit should be given to the entire program.
John C. Russiello
Chief Investigator, Inspector General's Office
John has spent the past 29 years in law enforcement as a member of the Inspector General's Office at New York Off Track Betting. He rose to the rank of Chief Investigator. He has been involved in numerous vice and narcotics arrests. John has served as an instructor over the years. His noted expertise is gambling, bunko and organized crime. In addition he has assisted the foundation as a liaison to many members of the law enforcement community.