The Department of Justice held its 27th annual Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) Director’s Awards Ceremony today, during which 159 award recipients from more than 45 districts were recognized for their dedication to carrying out the mission of the Department of Justice. Among the award recipients was AUSA Neil Karadbil and former Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kastrenakes. They were recognized for their outstanding work in the prosecution of Kenneth Paul Wilk for the August 2004 murder of Broward County Deputy Sheriff Todd M. Fatta.

Wilk was convicted on June 5, 2007 of murder in the first degree for the murder of BSO Deputy Todd M. Fatta, the attempted murder of Sergeant Angelo Cedeno, use of a firearm in the commission of crimes of violence, that is, the murder of Deputy Fatta and the attempted murder of Sergeant Cedeno, obstruction of justice in connection with the prosecution of Kelly Ray Jones in a prior federal case, possession of child pornography; and conspiracy to obstruct justice. He was sentenced to three concurrent terms of life imprisonment, an additional thirty (30) years’ imprisonment to run consecutive to the life terms, a lifetime term of supervised release, and a $25,000 fine.

“These award recipients have been honored for their service and dedication to our country, as well as to their local communities,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “Each of these committed public servants has helped to advance the Justice Department’s critical work. Their contributions have had a powerful impact in ensuring the strength of our justice system, the security of our communities, and the promise of our democracy."

U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, “The Southern District of Florida has a hard-earned national reputation for excellence and leadership. This reputation is the direct result of the hard work, dedication, and professionalism of prosecutors like Neil Karadbil and John Kastrenakes, who were honored today. Their work in the Wilk murder prosecution was exemplary and helped bring justice to the family and friends of this slain public servant.”

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A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.