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 event highlighted the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies in addressing critical criminal cases throughout 2025. The awards celebrated investigations that led to successful prosecutions in areas such as child sexual exploitation, drug trafficking, ransomware, and cybercrime.
U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio 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. 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. FBI Task Force Officer Heather Blohm Stover received recognition for her efforts in child sex abuse and drug trafficking cases. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) was honored for Operation Double Eagle’s role in dismantling an Akron drug trafficking operation resulting in multiple indictments.
In Cleveland, FBI Special Agent Jeff Kassouf was recognized for his role in a complex cybercrime investigation. Task Force Officer Craig Payne from Lorain Police Department was awarded for his contributions to major drug trafficking cases. Special Agents Milan Kosanovich and Matt Richter were acknowledged for investigating a cryptocurrency fraud case that resulted in victim restitution.
Toledo region honorees included FBI Special Agent Alexander Hunt for a child exploitation case leading to several arrests across Northwest Ohio; United States Secret Service Task Force Officer Justin Craig from Ohio State Highway Patrol; and the Northwest Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
In Youngstown, ATF Special Agent Jason Petaccio and DEA Task Force Officer Michael Bender were recognized for their investigation into a fatal shooting in Warren that led to multiple arrests. Homeland Security Investigations/Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force received an award for their work on a major drug case resulting in lengthy prison sentences.
The United States Marshals Service (USMS), under U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott’s leadership, was named District Agency of the Year for its collaboration with partner agencies through the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF). In 2025 alone, NOVFTF arrested over 2,700 offenders and seized firearms, ammunition, cash, narcotics as well as 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; U.S. Homeland Security Investigations; Mahoning County Sheriff Office; Medway Drug Enforcement Agency; Ohio State Highway Patrol; Summit County Sheriff Office; University of Akron Police Department; among others.
