Pubdate: Sun, 26 Oct 2008 Source: Herald News (IL) Copyright: 2008 The Herald News Contact: http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1308 DRUG PROSECUTORS HONORED JOLIET -- Assistant State's Attorney Michael Knick, a member of the Drug Prosecution Unit, and administrative assistant, Kathy Kearney, the secretary supervisor for the unit, were recognized by the Illinois Metropolitan Enforcement Group Directors' and Task Force Commanders' Association, Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow announced. Knick and Kearney were honored for their work in processing 858 narcotics cases during 2007 and 2008. The conviction rate for these cases was 95 percent. "I congratulate Mike Knick and Kathy Kearney on receiving this prestigious honor and for going above and beyond their duties to fight the war against drugs in Will County," Glasgow said. "Mike and Kathy, along with my entire Drug Prosecution Unit, have worked tirelessly with the Metropolitan Area Narcotics Squad (MANS) and our local police departments over the past four years. "The unit has seen a 50 percent increase in the number of search warrants granted to detectives who are conducting narcotics investigations. " Knick is the supervisor of the Drug Prosecution Unit, which prosecutes defendants accused of trafficking illegal narcotics. The unit also cooperates with MANS and other law enforcement officers by coordinating search warrants that enable undercover detectives to infiltrate drug houses and secure evidence against drug dealers. Knick joined the office in 1988. Since 1991, he has been assigned to the drug unit. He was appointed supervisor in 2004. Kearney, who has served with the unit since 2005, is its secretary supervisor. She was recognized for her professionalism in coordinating the fluid transition of case files between MANS and the state's attorney's office. Other local MANS members who were honored at the banquet were: Field Supervisor Mark Brunzie, Field Supervisor Sean Koren and Inspectors Tanya Paquette, Matthew Bejgrowicz, David Jackson, Jeff Purvis, and Dwayne Weis. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin