NATIONAL DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION AWARDS JAMES BRAZELTON--THE STANISLAUS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY--AND HIS PROSECUTION TEAM ITS “HOME RUN HITTERS AWARD” OF EXCELLENCE
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| Left to right: Robert Honecker, James Brazelton, Rick Distaso, Kevin Bertalatto, David Harris and Birgit Fladager. |
ALEXANDRIA, VA. – May 5, 2005 – At its recent Board of Directors Meeting, the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) presented its prestigious “Home Run Hitter Award” in recognition of prosecutorial excellence to Stanislaus County District Attorney James Brazelton and his prosecution team: Rick Distaso, Senior Deputy District Attorney; David Harris, Senior Deputy District Attorney; Birgit Fladager, Co-Prosecutor; and, Detective Kevin Bertalatto, Senior Criminal Investigator, for their prosecution of Scott Peterson. Each member of the team was presented an engraved, authentic, Louisville Slugger baseball bat.
As many in America, and indeed the world, recall Laci Peterson, the 27 year old substitute teacher with memorable beauty and the brightest of smiles, vanished on Christmas Eve 2002. Laci was about a month away from delivering her and her husband, Scott Peterson’s, first child whom they planned to name Conner. Her disappearance struck a deep cord within the public that was immediately noticed by the media. In April 2003, the body of a full-term baby washed up on the shore of the San Francisco Bay. The very next day the badly decomposed body of a woman was found. The media flooded the news on a daily basis concerning the investigation of the missing Laci and Conner, and the subsequent murder trial of her husband, Scott.
James Brazelton assembled a formidable team to prosecute Scott Peterson for the murder of Laci and Conner. And, prosecutors across America knew the difficulties that the members of this team faced in preparing a circumstantial case with the entire nation watching and questioning every move they would make. Scott Peterson’s defense team was well-financed, high-profile and very media savvy.
Throughout the entire investigation and trial, the media and their paid “Monday night quarterbacks” – better known as “former prosecutors—now defense attorneys” were critical of every move the prosecution team made. Over the last couple of decades, it seems like the media rather enjoy vilifying prosecutors, who are the real people’s attorneys. Remember, the burden of proof and seeking of truth lies solely with prosecutors. During this complicated case, the media kept the prosecution under their microscope. But, this prosecution team knew what they were doing and did not talk to the media. They were work-horses, not show-horses, and were absolutely relentless in their efforts to find the truth and seek justice and accountability for the brutal murderer of Laci and Conner.
Finally, after one of those famous California 6-month trials, Scott Peterson was found guilty by a serious and conscientious jury and shortly thereafter, was sentenced to death.
NDAA and its approximately 7,500 members applaud Jim Brazelton and his “Superstar Prosecution Team” and share a sense of pride in their success. We are honored to induct Jim Brazelton, Rick Distaso, David Harris, Birgit Fladager and Detective Kevin Bertalatto into the “NDAA Home Run Hitters Club,” and recognize their excellence in prosecuting this case. NDAA is the nation’s only organization representing local prosecuting attorneys who handle about 95% of all cases and 99% of cases involving violent crime in America. NDAA is the voice of America’s prosecutors.
CONTACT: Velva M. Walter
Director Media Relations for NDAA
703-519-1689 – Email: velva.walter@ndaa-apri.org
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