Ruben Palomares, Conspiracy, California 2008
Justice for the Victims
Washington, D.C. - In a ceremony held at DAR Constitution Hall, Attorney General Eric Holder recognized 247 department employees for their distinguished public service at the 57th Annual Attorney General Awards Ceremony.
Thirty-nine individuals outside of the department were also honored for their work. The event recognizes both department employees and others for their dedication to carrying out the mission.
“It is my privilege to honor these recipients for their outstanding service and commitment to our country,” Attorney General Holder said. “Each of these dedicated servants has carried out the important mission of the Department of Justice and has done so with excellence and distinction. Their varied accomplishments have advanced the interests of justice on behalf of the American people, and I’m proud to call them my colleagues.”
The ceremony awarded the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service to the team responsible for the prosecution of United States v. Ferguson, the department’s highest award.
The team received the award for their investigation and prosecution that ended a three-year crime spree headed by former Los Angeles Police Department Officer Ruben Palomares. The six-year investigation and prosecution resulted in 15 individuals pleading guilty and the conviction at trial of two others.
Former Los Angeles Police Department Officer Ruben Palomares was involved in a conspiracy that preyed upon victims and communities who had been betrayed by those who had sworn to protect them. The crime spree lasted for three years and ended with the arrest of Palomares and 17 others on June 2, 2008. The team worked tirelessly to bring justice to the victims and communities affected. The outcome of the case was the conviction of two individuals and plea agreements from 15 others.
The Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism was given to Anthony J. Layfield, Senior Officer Specialist of the Federal Bureau of Prisons U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta, for his commendable act of heroism on June 2, 2008. Mr. Layfield saved the life of a staff member who was violently attacked by a highly aggressive inmate.
The Edward H. Levi Award for Outstanding Professionalism and Exemplary Integrity was presented to Edwin S. Kneedler, Deputy Solicitor General for the Office of the Solicitor General, for his work on various matters of great sensitivity and importance.
The Mary C. Lawton Lifetime Service Award recognizes employees who have served at least 20 years in the department. The award was not mentioned in the context of any specific individual or group in this article.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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