Justice Awards Recipients Lauded At RivCo DA's Awards Banquet

CORONA, CA — The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office celebrated its 2026 Justice Awards banquet on Friday 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, according to a recent news release.

“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,” District Attorney Mike Hestrin said in the release. “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 2026 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