Local U.S. Department of Justice Employees Receive Attorney General Award for Distinguished Contributions to Law Enforcement

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams congratulates District of Oregon Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Cardani and Scott Kerin, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Guy Gino, who were honored by United States Attorney General William P. Barr for their exemplary service. The awards were announced on November 12, 2020. 

The Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award recognizes Department of Justice employees and partners for extraordinary contributions to the enforcement of our nation’s laws. This year, 240 DOJ employees received awards, while 27 non-department individuals were also honored for their work.  

AUSA Chris Cardani was recognized for his work to recover more than 1 Billion dollars’ worth of assets misappropriated from the Malaysian government through civil forfeiture actions.  AUSA Scott Kerin and HSI Special Agent Guy Gino were recognized for their work on Operation Deadly Merchant/Operation Denial, a sophisticated Dark Net synthetic opioid drug ring operating in the United States, Canada, and China. 

“I am honored to recognize the recipients of this year’s Attorney General’s Awards, whose tireless work and steadfast dedication have proven critical to enforcing the rule of law and protecting all Americans,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Those honored today have demonstrated exceptional efforts and made tremendous personal sacrifices throughout their time working at the Department of Justice, and for that, I am truly thankful.”

“The recognition of these local DOJ employees is well-deserved” said Billy J. Williams, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Their work represents the highest ideals of public service, partnership and dedication to public safety. Congratulations Chris, Scott and Guy!”