The U.S. Justice Organization Awards Cynthia Joffrion
Potomac -- Free-Press-Release.com-- Apr 22, 2012 -- In
2009, the U.S. Justice Organization honored Cynthia Joffrion with its highest
honor, given to a citizen "who at great personal sacrifice, has unselfishly
served her community and the nation."
In 1998 Cynthia Joffrion became
the Assistance Superintendent of Technology Services for the Yonkers Board of
Education the 4th largest School System in the state of New York. In 1999
Joffrion went the Yonkers Office of the Inspector General with allegations
concerning the school district's deal with both Compaq and Apple computers, in
which the manufacturers sold computers in bundles of 10 and provided one or two
extra units as an incentive. Joffrion alleged that the schools system
superintendent told her to send the extra computers to his relatives, and
threatened to fire her and her staff when she refused. "We basically did some
preliminary investigation and referred it to the district attorney," Zisman
said. "We thought the information was accurate. Joffrion recorded about 40
telephone and in-person conversations with the suspect. Before the issuance of
search warrants in connection with the computers, the suspect was informed of
the search by a friend so he could dispose of the evidence.
Joffrion
continued to work undercover from 1999 to 2005. She was cooperating with the
FBI, and authorities in December 2004 recorded her giving the suspect $1000. She
agreed to make kickbacks of $144,000 under the direction of the FBI. She knew at
that time that his role would certainly be revealed at trial, and that the
eventual proceedings in court might damage her ability not only to be a public
servant, but to work in any public service career. "By 2005, word of the
investigation and Mrs. Joffrion's cooperation had reached the news media.
Determined to meet her duty as a cooperating witness, she did not publicly
comment on the case. As a result of her inability to comment fully on the case,
because she intended to protect the integrity of the investigation, the press
had a field day with respect to her and her own reputation. It wasn't until the
case went to trial in 2007 that the full story was revealed and Mrs. Joffrion
was vindicated when the full facts of her cooperation, dedication and sacrifice
were announced in a public forum.
In the end, suspect was convicted of
bribery, and a clear message was sent to the leadership of both the business and
political communities that such conduct would not be tolerated. Mrs. Joffrion,
by this award, joins a very select group of awardees who exemplify the
tremendous courage and sacrifice that people have shown--particularly people who
have put themselves and their families' welfare at jeopardy to do the right
thing to support an investigation. That is a critically important
commitment--when one puts her own life and welfare directly on the line. It is
only with that premise and support and cooperation that the FBI, or any law
enforcement organization, can do the job it is supposed to do, which is protect
the people. The U.S. Justice Organization is very delighted and pleased to
welcome and to congratulate Cynthia Joffrion as a worthy recipient of the
Wellington Award, and that she has our gratitude and respect for her courage and
dedication.
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Jan Wharton