Department of Justice Recognizes Three U.S. Attorney's Office Employees With Director's Award

BOSTON - United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced that three employees of the U.S. Attorney's Office were selected as recipients of the 2026 Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) Director's Award. The Director's Award recognizes excellence across the U.S. Attorney community and honors the exceptional contributions to the Justice Department's mission by attorneys and support personnel, serving in the nation's 94 federal districts. The following individuals were recognized at the award ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 28, 2026:

Special Assistant United States Attorney James Nagelberg

Excellence as a Special Assistant United States Attorney

James Nagelberg served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) from January 2023 to June 2026, becoming a leading authority on Social Security fraud investigations and prosecutions. He vetted criminal referrals to maximize the Office's effectiveness in combatting benefit fraud, contributing to the recovery of over $1.4 million in restitution and pretrial diversion payments and securing more than $925,000 in forfeiture money judgments. Mr. Nagelberg obtained the district's first voter fraud conviction in a $400,000 identity theft case. He also helped expand the Social Security Administration's SAUSA program nationwide and mentored SAUSAs across the country, strengthening national and district efforts to combat benefit fraud.

Assistant United States Attorney Donald Lockhart

Excellence as an Appellate Assistant United States Attorney

Donald Lockhart serves as Chief of the Appellate Unit and leads a highly respected appellate team, reviewing numerous filings and offering insight drawn from a decades-long career in public service. Mr. Lockhart has argued complicated government appeals delivering top-tier advocacy. His experience and expertise have made him a nationally recognized appellate attorney, teaching and collaborating with the Appellate Chiefs' Working Group and engaging with the Solicitor General's Office. Under Mr. Lockhart's guidance, the Appellate Unit has secured favorable opinions from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in several notable cases, including: United States v. Salemme; United States v. Vavic; United States v. Coleman; United States v. Correa; United States v. Pullman & Lynch; and United States v. Cromwell.

Lizzette Ospina-Yemo

Superior Performance in Administration

Lizzette Ospina-Yemo has been an essential leader in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts since joining as Human Resources Officer in 2014 and becoming Deputy Administrative Officer in 2023. She expertly manages wide-ranging responsibilities across HR, finance, IT, security, facilities and procurement. Her leadership has strengthened accountability and improved processes across all administrative areas. Ms. Ospina-Yemo has navigated complex employee relations and challenges such as federal shutdowns, deferred resignation programs, credible threats to U.S. Attorney's Office employees and the loss of a colleague with professionalism and compassion. Her dedication, steady judgment and commitment to the mission make her an invaluable asset to the district and the broader U.S. Attorney's Office community.

"The success of our office is made possible by the extraordinary dedication and professionalism of the people who serve the District of Massachusetts every day," said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley. "Mr. Nagelberg, Mr. Lockhart and Ms. Ospina-Yemo have each distinguished themselves through exceptional service, leadership and commitment to the Department of Justice's mission. Their contributions have strengthened our office, advanced justice and benefited the people we serve. Their dedication to excellence, integrity and public service exemplifies the very best of our office, and I am proud to see their achievements recognized with this well-deserved honor."