Chesco Deputy D.A., State Police Corporal Honored

WEST CHESTER, PA — Among Chester County public servants recognized for outstanding service were Dep. District Attorney Erin O'Brien, named Prosecutor of the Year, and Pennsylvania State Police Corp. Stefano Gallina who both had roles in bringing traffickers and sex abusers to justice.

They were among a larger group of community leaders commended for service in a ceremony last week. The Chester County District Attorney's Office held its annual Awards Ceremony to recognize and honor law enforcement, first responders, and community leaders for their extraordinary efforts to make Chester County a better and safer place.

District Attorney Deb Ryan said, "In our respective roles, it is the duty of each of us to serve and protect our communities. For most of us, this is a calling. We understand the critical importance of helping those in need, regardless of threat, danger, or obstacle, because it is our job to make this world a better place."

Ryan explained in the ceremony, "Many of the award recipients repeatedly demonstrated heroic efforts by saving children from horrific abuse, tracking down and capturing killers, removing poison and deadly weapons from our streets, or going into burning buildings to save the lives of hundreds of people."

"Some were part of the crucial effort to keep all of us safe from a deadly pandemic because, as essential workers, we never stopped our service to the community. Others fought the good fight for justice in the courtroom while helping victims navigate an often complicated and traumatizing process," Ryan continued. "And some sought out ways to improve law enforcement’s relationships with communities of color and affect positive change to criminal justice reform in response to national tragedies."

The awards presented included:
• Prosecutor of the Year – Deputy District Attorney Erin O’Brien
• Detective of the Year – Chester County Det. Gary Lynch
• Law Enforcement Officer of the Year – Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Stefano Gallina
• Administrative Professional of the Year – Office Manager Cheryl Greener

Commendations given included:
• Chester County Department of Emergency Services for their outstanding and continuous efforts in supporting law enforcement and first responders during the global Covid-19 pandemic.
• Phoenixville Borough Police Department for their exemplary efforts and teamwork in providing justice to the family of a murdered teenager.
• Edward McFadden for his outstanding dedication, commitment, and service as the Warden of Chester County Prison for 15 years.
• Chris Saello of the United Way and DeVon Jackson for their extraordinary efforts in improving relationships between law enforcement and our communities in Chester County.

Ryan said, "Even though our professions are highly scrutinized and sometimes vilified, I am reminded every day that what we do matters. Each award recipient consistently contributes to making this county a better place, facing down danger, working long hours, and selflessly serving those around them despite all the challenges."

Prosecutor of the Year Took On Traffickers, Sex Offenders

Erin O'Brien was commended in the ceremony as "a tireless and committed champion for children. She has dedicated her entire career to protecting our most vulnerable population through her fierce advocacy, hard work, and diligence."

Last year, O'Brien was promoted to Deputy District Attorney of the Child Abuse Unit.

Erin began her career in the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, serving as a prosecutor for more than 11 years. The majority of her time there was spent in the Family Violence and Sexual Assault Unit, where she also worked as the assistant chief for more than three years.

"Throughout her career, Erin has handled heartbreaking and difficult cases, including human trafficking, physical and sexual assaults against children and adults, homicides, child torture, and domestic violence," the D.A. said.

Ryan said O'Brien has also "shown a great understanding that teamwork and respect are essential for achieving our respective goals. She notably demonstrated this through her work with our Chester County Detectives, East Whiteland Township Police, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigation for their mutual assistance in dismantling a human sex trafficking organization in July 2020."

"In a superb illustration of inter-agency efforts, the investigation resulted in identifying and arresting three members of a sex trafficking organization, along with five individuals who paid the organization to engage in sexual acts with minor children and adults. The team who worked on this case was recognized recently by The Citizens Crime Commission with a multi-unit citation in Philadelphia. As a result of their efforts, Chester County is a safer place. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all who were involved."

"She has successfully prosecuted some of the most egregious perpetrators of child abuse, including teachers, coaches, fathers, mothers, daycare owners, among many others. While dealing with the great uncertainty of the pandemic last year — and while bravely wearing and testing out many versions of face masks and shields — she tried more jury trials than any other prosecutor in this office, including the first jury trial when our courts reopened," Ryan said.

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year is State Police Corporal

Pennsylvania State Police Corp. Stefano Gallina was named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, as one who "got stuff done" again and again, with cases that "go to trial and again and again we get justice for our victims," the award commendation said.

"And a significant number of the cases that went to jury were investigated and solved by Gulino. This is not a coincidence. For us to be able to bring a case to jury, it needs more than just to have a defendant arrested. It needs to have all aspects investigated well, it needs to be well-organized and free of mistakes, it needs dedicated partners from law enforcement willing to do all the trial work and it needs an affiant who can get on the stand, explain their work and stick up for their victims and demand justice," the commendation stated.

"One of the first matters to go to a jury trial was Com v. Robert Caesar a child sexual abuse case he prosecuted with Prosecutor of the year Erin O’Brien. He worked incredibly hard on the three-year life of that case and through to sentencing. He had to review well over 100,000 disturbing videos and images and followed up on every lead and call received throughout the pendency of the case. His work was truly impressive," the statement said.

The award citation explained Gallina was also the affiant on James Battista a child abuse case he tried with Deputy D.A. O’Brien in October. That case started in 2009 and was reignited when Gallina got a new report of abuse in 2017. Gallina worked closely with Chester County Det. James Ciliberto to track down and re-interview each victim and to find any other possible victims or witnesses. Each of these victims was incredibly grateful to both Gallina and Ciliberto for seeking justice even after the passage of so much time, according to the commendation.

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