COUNTYWIDE – The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office celebrated its 2025 Justice Awards banquet on Friday, Feb. 27, at the Green River Golf Club in Corona. The annual event honored staff members for their outstanding achievements, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to justice and service throughout Riverside County.

“Each day, the dedicated professionals of the District Attorney’s Office work tirelessly to pursue justice on behalf of the victims we serve across Riverside County,” said District Attorney Mike Hestrin. “The recipients of this year’s Justice Awards represent the very best of our office. Their integrity, commitment, and excellence make a meaningful difference in the safety and well-being of our community.”

This year’s celebration embraced a festive “Back to the ’80s” theme, bringing energy and camaraderie to an evening focused on recognizing excellence in justice. The cost of the banquet was covered by funds raised through office-led fundraisers and the generous support of local sponsors. Below are the recipients of the 2025 awards.

Prosecutor of the Year: Jennifer Stevenson

Western Felony Prosecutor of the Year: Meg Holtman

Eastern Felony Prosecutor of the Year: Melissa Kahal

Mid-County Felony Prosecutor of the Year: Sam Taloa

Southwest Felony Prosecutor of the Year: Lindsay McDowell

Appellate Prosecutor of the Year: Matt Murray

Crime Prevention Specialist of the Year: Carlos Romo

Countywide Filing Prosecutor of the Year: Allison Roach

Countywide Juvenile Prosecutor of the Year: Patrick Farrell

Countywide Misdemeanor Prosecutor of the Year: Mallorie Jones

Countywide SPR Prosecutor of the Year: Michael Keating

Countywide Paralegal of the Year: Marissa Gonzales

Countywide Paralegal of the Year: Gabriel Sanchez Rojas

Countywide Investigator of the Year: Mark Lee

Countywide Technician of the Year: Enrique Maciel

Countywide Victim Services Specialist of the Year: Rene Stephens

Countywide Clerical Employee of the Year: Arturo Anguiano

Countywide Administration Employee of the Year Communications Division: Eliana Lopez

Countywide Administration Employee of the Year: Ava Denning

Countywide DVS Technician of the Year: Juan Maciel

Countywide Achievement/Leadership Award: Vincent Zannelli

Countywide Group Award: Eastern Region Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Integrated Trial Team

Admin. Region Group Award: Trial Prep Support Unit

Mid-County Region Group Award: Clerical

Southwest Group Award: Homicide Integrated Trial Team

Special Prosecutions Region Group Award: Organized Retail Theft