Rebecca C. Lutzko United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio recognized federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies for their investigative achievements during a recent Law Enforcement Awards ceremony, according to a March 16 announcement.
The awards highlighted the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies in addressing serious crimes such as child exploitation, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and violent offenses. U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer said, “Here in our Northern District of Ohio, we have unique relationship with our partners, and that’s not always the case in other regions.” He added, “It is my honor to recognize these men and women whose diligent investigations allow us to prosecute dangerous criminals to the fullest extent of the law. Criminal investigators can face roadblocks and dead ends. But because of the persistence of these professionals, and their unwavering commitment to protect and help victims, our office can ensure that justice is served.”
Awards were presented across four regional offices: Toledo, Cleveland, Akron/Canton, and Youngstown. In Akron/Canton, FBI Special Agent Pete Mauro was named Agent of the Year for his work on child exploitation cases leading to significant sentences for multiple offenders. The Task Force Officer (TFO) of the Year award went to FBI TFO Heather Blohm Stover from Medway Drug Enforcement Agency for her efforts in child sex abuse and drug trafficking cases. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) received Partnership of the Year for Operation Double Eagle's takedown of an Akron drug operation resulting in numerous indictments.
In Cleveland, FBI Special Agent Jeff Kassouf was honored as Agent of the Year for his role in a complex cybercrime investigation. FBI TFO Craig Payne from Lorain Police Department received TFO of the Year for his work on two major drug trafficking cases. Partnership awards went to FBI Special Agents Milan Kosanovich and Matt Richter for investigating cryptocurrency fraud that led to substantial asset recovery.
Toledo region recognitions included FBI Special Agent Alexander Hunt as Agent of the Year for a child exploitation case that resulted in multiple arrests across Northwest Ohio. USSS TFO Justin Craig from Ohio State Highway Patrol was named TFO of the Year after securing charges carrying mandatory prison terms in another child exploitation case.
In Youngstown, ATF Special Agent Jason Petaccio and DEA TFO Michael Bender were recognized for their investigation into a fatal shooting that led to several apprehensions and criminal charges with significant penalties. Homeland Security Investigations/Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force earned Partnership honors following a successful drug investigation resulting in lengthy sentences.
The United States Marshals Service (USMS), under U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott’s leadership, received District Agency of the Year recognition for its collaborative efforts through the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF). In 2025 alone, NOVFTF arrested over 2,700 offenders and seized firearms, ammunition, cash, narcotics while also dedicating resources toward missing children investigations.
Representatives from numerous regional agencies attended the ceremony including police departments from Akron and Toledo; federal agencies such as ATF; DEA; FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; state authorities like Adult Parole Authority; Mahoning County Sheriff Office; Summit County Sheriff Office; Medway Drug Enforcement Agency; Lorain Police Department; Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force; Ohio State Highway Patrol; University of Akron Police Department; Barberton Police Department; High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area-Youngstown; Northwest Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
