Investigators of the Year
Ralph H. Tucker, Jr.
Coordinating Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Operations Division
CSSA Ralph H. Tucker, Jr. of the NYO has served as the coordinator for the Surveillance Branch (SB) since 12/26/2004. CSSA Tucker successfully coordinates both operational and administrative functions for the largest and most diverse surveillance operation in the FBI. CSSA Tucker has oversight of 10 SB Squads located covertly throughout the New York/New Jersey area. Specifically, 3 Task Force SOGs which support Counterterrorism, 3 SOGs which support General Criminal, 2 SSG Squads, 1 Aviation Squad, and 1 Undercover/Sensitive Operations Squad. CSSA Tucker does an excellent job reviewing all surveillance requests throughout the NYO. Under CSSA Tucker’s direction, during FY2005 and FY2006, the NYO SB Squads have supported more than 25 missions throughout the country. To date, CSSA Tucker has responded and provided SB support to more than 157 investigations within the NYO, of which many of these requests have come on short notice on weekends, late nights, and holidays. CSSA Tucker also assists all SB Squads with their budget. CSSA Tucker provides secondary budget review for all SB Squads on a monthly basis. CSSA Tucker has established outstanding liaison contacts with our partners in the law enforcement community. CSSA Tucker has consistently received praise from members of the NYPD, JTTF, USSS, US State Department, and NY/NJ Port Authority. CSSA Tucker has also been on the receiving end of praise from our counterparts at FBI Headquarters. CSSA Tucker also takes an active role in the monitoring of the ever changing FSL and resource utilization. On a regular basis, CSSA Tucker provides sound advice to the SAC and ASAC on this critical matter.
Joseph Pennisi
Chief Investigator, New York County District Attorney’s Office
Joseph Pennisi is the Chief Investigator in the New York County District Attorney’s Office. A member of the Investigation Bureau since 1981, he was appointed by District Attorney Robert Morgenthau to his present position in 1999. Mr. Pennisi is responsible for supervising a wide range of investigations conducted by the District Attorney’s Office into white collar crimes and corruption. In the past year alone, investigations conducted under Mr. Pennisi’s supervision have resulted in the indictments of: the operators of two separate unlicensed money transmission businesses that together transmitted more than $50 million illegally, the vice president of a major restaurant business for fraudulently obtaining over $1 million through fraudulent disability claims, three former employees of the New York State Banking Department and five companies for bribery and money laundering, eight Manhattan stock brokers who defrauded investors of more than $13 million, and the organizers of two minority labor coalitions charged with extorting contractors on a wide range of private and public projects. Joseph Pennisi’s experience, guidance and strong leadership have enabled the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to successfully prosecute these and countless other significant and complex criminal cases during the seven years he has been in charge of the Investigation Bureau.
Eric Jenkins
Detective Lieutenant, Nassau County Police Department, Commanding Officer, Special Investigations Squad
Detective Lieutenant Eric Jenkins has been a member of the Nassau County Police Department for forty years. He is currently serving as the Commanding Officer of the Special Investigations Squad (SIS) in Bellmore, New York. Special Investigations Squad has members assigned to various Federal Task Forces and maintains a liaison that engages in the exchange of intelligence data with other enforcement agencies. Under the leadership of Detective Lieutenant Jenkins, SIS investigates bias related incidents as well as providing protection for visiting local and international dignitaries and other public officials. Prior to his present assignment, Detective Lieutenant Jenkins held numerous assignments within the Department’s Patrol, Support and Detective Divisions including the Vice Squad, Community Relations Bureau, Fourth Precinct, Fifth Squad and Seventh Squad. In 1987 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and designated the Commanding Officer of the Third Squad in Williston Park, until 2002 when he was assigned to his current position. Detective Lieutenant Jenkins, who is one of the most experienced superior officers within the police department, holds a Bachelors of Arts from C.W. Post and is a team leader on the Department’s Crisis Negotiation Team. In 1982 he received the highest accreditation for any Law Enforcement Officer when he graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. Detective Lieutenant Jenkins has been an inspiration to everyone who comes in contact with him. He continues to enjoy tremendous success as a Squad Commander. He is highly respected by his subordinates and his superiors. His knowledge and experience is a continuing asset to the Police Department. He has successfully mentored many young detectives and supervisors, who have gone on to outstanding careers within the department. Detective Lieutenant Jenkins exemplifies the strength and courage of the law enforcement profession and is a highly productive and valuable member of the Nassau County Police Department.