William J. Raggio Award


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:

    2022 - Marc Schifalacqua & Jessica Walsh

      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.