BOSTON, July 23, 2018—An investigator in Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley’s office was honored last month for her dedicated work on behalf of child abuse victims.

Kate Leary, a civilian investigator in Conley’s Child Protection Unit, received the Suffolk Award for Outstanding Superior Court Investigator at a ceremony held June 13 at Suffolk University Law School.

“Kate can find the unfindable witness,” said Leary’s supervisor, Assistant District Attorney Audrey Mark, who introduced her. “Whether it’s hand-serving a grand jury subpoena or obtaining long-overdue medical records, she will always go the extra mile to get the job done. She is unflappable, tenacious, and passionate about the cause of fighting child abuse.”

Leary began her career with the Conley’s office as an administrative assistant with the Child Protection Unit in 2015 and was soon promoted to the role of civilian investigator, working with prosecutors in the Boston Municipal Court and Juvenile Unit before taking on the position of Child Protection Unit investigator. In this role, Leary works directly with prosecutors, witnesses, victims and families, as well as a wide array of agencies that serve children who have been physically and sexually abused.

“Successful prosecutions rely on strong investigative work, and through her work ethic and tenacity, Kate has helped prosecutors not only hold abusers accountable, but ensure that the child abuse survivors we serve know that they have been heard,” Conley said.

In addition to her duties as an investigator, Leary is a member of the Boston Blades women’s hockey team, and even arranged for a child abuse survivor served by Conley’s office to drop the puck at one of the team’s games.

“Whether it’s in the office or on the ice, Kate’s dedication and outstanding skills are clear to see. We’re grateful to have her working on behalf of the children we serve.”

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