The Nevada Advisory Council for Prosecuting Attorneys annually presents the William J. Raggio Award to a prosecutor who has contributed significantly to the improvement of the administration of justice in Nevada. The award honors the late William J. Raggio, former Washoe County District Attorney and State Senate Majority Leader, who was the inaugural award recipient in 1998. The Raggio Award is presented each year at the Nevada Prosecutors Conference. The following individuals have been recipients of the award:
2024 - Christopher Lalli
Clark County Assistant District Attorney Christopher Lalli was recognized for helping to implement many improvements to the Criminal Justice System in Southern Nevada including the State’s first Conviction Review Unit, Initial Appearance Court in the Clark County Justice Courts, and the Resort Corridor Court which saw a significant decrease in crime on the Las Vegas Strip. He also served on the Nevada Supreme Court Commission on Statewide Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Nevada Supreme Court Commission to Study Best Practices for Virtual Advocacy. At the Legislature, he worked to expand wiretap law to create an exception where hostage barricade situations occur. Finally, he was responsible for the creation of the Nevada Prosecution Best Practices Committee. He served in the Office of the Clark County District Attorney for over 30 years.
2023 - Mark Jackson
Douglas County District Attorney Mark Jackson was chosen in recognition of his dedication to championing victim rights, serving on multiple statewide commissions, committees and task forces to advocate for important criminal justice issues on behalf of all prosecutors across the state, as well as testifying before the Nevada Legislature on numerous important criminal justice bills during the 2007-2023 legislative sessions. Jackson has served four separate terms as President of the Nevada District Attorney’s Association and is widely respected by his peers.
2022 - Marc Schifalacqua & Jessica Walsh
City of Henderson Chief Prosecutor Marc Schifalacqua was recognized for his statewide leadership after the Nevada Supreme Court mandated jury trials for misdemeanor domestic battery offenses. Marc was the driving force behind legislation that allowed municipalities to continue to prosecute domestic battery cases and handle the associated jury trials. Marc’s efforts helped secure the enhanced safety of domestic violence victims throughout Nevada. Marc was the first municipal prosecutor to be honored with the Raggio Award in the history of this award.
2021 - Patricia Cafferata
Patricia Cafferata was chosen in recognition of her many accomplishments and years of service to the state of Nevada as an Assemblywoman, State Treasurer, and as District Attorney in three counties, among many other contributions to the state. When serving in the Attorney General’s Office, she was a driving force in organizing successful Prosecuting Attorneys Conferences, using her extensive contacts and skills to bring in training for prosecutors and to bring forth legislation to assist prosecutors.
2020 - None
2019 - John Jones, Jr. and Jennifer Noble [both for this year]
Clark Co. Chief Deputy District Attorney John Jones Jr. and Washoe County Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer P. Noble were chosen to jointly receive the Raggio Award due to their exemplary performance representing the District Attorney’s Office and the Nevada District Attorneys Association during the 2019 legislative session. Both are examples of what prosecutors can achieve, not just within their individual office, but as representatives of the office of prosecutors statewide.
2018 - Kirk Vitto
Nye County Deputy District Attorney Kirk Vitto was recognized for his commitment during his 28-year-career providing a voice for victims and juveniles with compassion and well-reasoned decisions.
2017 - David W. Clifton
Judge David W. Clifton was recognized for his more than 20 years as a Washoe County Prosecutor and seven years of distinguished service as Washoe County Justice of the Peace, his dedication and innovation as a prosecutor, and his strong commitment to the community and to justice for all people.
2016 - Brian Rutledge
Clark County Deputy District Attorney Brian Rutledge was recognized for dedicating his entire career to serving the Las Vegas Community, and did so with excellence.
2015 - Arthur E. Mallory
Churchill County District Attorney Arthur E. Mallory was recognized for his dedication and innovation as a prosecutor, and his strong commitment to the community and to justice for all people.
2014 - Catherine Cortez Masto
Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto was recognized for her dedication and innovation as the chief law enforcement officer for the State during her two terms in office.
2013 - Richard A. Gammick
Washoe County District Attorney Richard A. Gammick was recognized for his exemplary career as a dedicated prosecutor in Nevada, including service as Deputy District Attorney, and as District Attorney for five terms.
2012 - Chris Owens
Clark County Assistant District Attorney Chris Owens was recognized for his 30 years of exemplary service as a dedicated prosecutor, mentor and leader.
2011 - Larry R. Hicks
U.S. District Court Larry R, Hicks was recognized for his exemplary career, including service as Washoe County Deputy District Attorney and District Attorney, prior to his appointment to the federal bench.
2010 - Archie E. Blake
Judge Archie E. Blake was recognized for his exemplary career as a dedicated prosecutor, as District Court Judge for the Third Judicial District, and as Senior Judge in the Western Regional Drug Court.
2009 - James H. Tufteland
James H. Tufteland was recognized for his exemplary career as a dedicated prosecutor at the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, including his achievements as chief appellate deputy and as a mentor to other prosecutors.
2008 - Richard A. Wagner
Judge Richard A. Wagner was recognized for his exemplary career first as Pershing County District Attorney and then as District Court Judge for the Sixth Judicial District.
2007 - Kristin L. Erickson
Washoe County Chief Deputy District Kristin L. Erickson was recognized for her achievements on behalf of prosecutors at the Nevada State Legislature.
2006 - Noel S. Waters
Noel S. Waters was recognized for his 21 years as Carson City District Attorney and his dedication and innovation as a prosecutor.
2005 - Howard D. McKibben
Senior U.S. District Court Judge Howard D. McKibben was recognized for his exemplary career, including service as Douglas County District Attorney and Douglas County District Court Judge, prior to his appointment to the federal bench.
2004 - Melvyn T. Harmon
Retired Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Melvyn T. Harmon was recognized for his 29 year career as a dedicated prosecutor that included the prosecution of 275 felony jury trials.
2003 - Mills B. Lane
Mills B. Lane was recognized for his exemplary career in Washoe County as Deputy District Attorney, Chief Deputy District Attorney, Chief Deputy Sheriff, District Attorney, and District Court Judge.
2002 - Frankie Sue Del Papa & Stewart Bell
Former Nevada Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa and former Clark County District Attorney Stewart Bell were co-recipients of the award in recognition of their service and contributions while in office.
2001 - William T. Koot
Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney William T. Koot was recognized for his treatise on “The Law of Search and Seizure for Lawyers”.
2000 - Thomas L. Leen
Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Thomas L. Leen was recognized for his treatise on “Miranda and other 5th Amendment Issues”.
1999 - Ben Graham
Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Ben Graham was recognized for his efforts on behalf of prosecutors at the Nevada State Legislature.