Regan reappointed as region's top prosecutor
New London State's Attorney Michael L. Regan, who has served as the region's top prosecutor since 2006, was reappointed Friday to another eight-year term by the state Criminal Justice Commission.
Regan, 62, who lives with his family in New London, oversees criminal prosecutions in the four courts in the New London Judicial District, which comprises 23 towns, cities and political subdivisions in southeastern Connecticut.
He was appointed as the state's attorney when Kevin T. Kane left the position mid-appointment to become the chief state's attorney in October 2006. He served the remainder of the term and was reappointed to his first full term in 2009. In a three-page letter to the commission, Kane recommended Regan "without hesitation," for another term, effective July 1.
"In that there is no end in sight to these tough financial times, the New London Judicial District would be well-served by the reappointment of Michael Regan," Kane wrote.
Regan said that due to budget reductions, he has six fewer staff members than when he started, losing three prosecutors, an inspector, and investigator and a secretary. He supervises 24 full-time and one part-time employee at the state courthouses on Huntington Street and Broad Street in New London, the juvenile court in Waterford and the Norwich courthouse.
"We're in a difficult situation," he said in a phone interview. "We're doing the best we can. Cases are taking longer to resolve and we're also spending more time on post-conviction matters."
Regan still tries cases at the Part A court on Huntington Street, where major crimes are heard, and said he has five appeals pending in his case load.
A graduate of New London High School, the University of Connecticut and St. John's University Law School, Regan worked with his father, the late Joseph F. Regan, in private practice for a short time before becoming a prosecutor in 1985. His salary is about $160,000 a year.
The Criminal Justice Commission on Friday also reappointed five other state's attorneys for eight-year terms, along with Leonard C. Boyle, deputy chief state's attorney for operations for the entire state, who will serve another four-year term. The state's attorneys are: John C. Smriga, Fairfield judicial district; David Shepack, Litchfield district; Patrick J. Griffin, New Haven district; Matthew C. Gedansky, Tolland, and Anne F. Mahoney, Windham district.
"The Division of Criminal Justice is certainly in good hands with the reappointment today of these outstanding leaders of its senior management team," said Supreme Court Justice Andrew J. McDonald, chairman of the Criminal Justice Commission. "These dedicated professionals bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise, which is critical in the current fiscal climate."
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