Annually, District Attorney staff members gather for the State of the Office, a year-end review led by District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer. This event reflects on the accomplishments of the past year and recognizes outstanding contributions to our office and the pursuit of justice.

As part of this tradition, the District Attorney’s Office honors three individuals for their exceptional dedication to justice and service to victims. This year’s award recipients include:

Justice Award: Supervising Deputy District Attorney Larry Fields

For the first eight months of the year, Mr. Fields was dedicated toward prosecuting homicide cases, up until August when he was appointed as a unit supervisor – a position in which allowed for him to mentor and guide the next generation of attorneys. During his time in the homicide unit, Mr. Fields tried five homicide cases, spending an impressive 109 days in trial. One of his most notable victories was securing the conviction of Anthony Martin, who shot and killed a homeless man over a five-dollar drug deal. Martin was sentenced to 50 years to life for his crime.

Prosecutor of the Year: Deputy District Attorney Janae Knallay

Ms. Knallay is a Special Victims Unit prosecutor who specializes in some of the most complex and heartbreaking cases—human trafficking. She works tirelessly to bring justice for some of our county’s most vulnerable victims and has secured several significant convictions. Among her most impactful cases was the prosecution of Shante Dowdell, a man who trafficked a 16-year-old victim while he was in prison, serving time for a robbery conviction. Dowdell was sentenced to an additional 24 years in prison. 

Support Staff Person of the Year: Public Information Officer Daniela Gonzaga

As Public Information Officer, Ms. Gonzaga plays a vital role in telling the story of the District Attorney’s Office—highlighting the efforts of our prosecutors, forensic lab, victim services unit and every division in between. Often behind the camera, she ensures our office’s mission is communicated effectively to the public by keeping the community informed about public safety updates, case developments, convictions, and legislative changes, helping to strengthen transparency and awareness.

District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer commented; “Our office’s mission is to fairly and vigorously represent the people of California in the pursuit of justice in Kern County. That mission is made possible by the dedication and hard work of the 251 employees who serve with integrity and commitment. Choosing just three individuals to honor is never easy, but these recipients stand out as shining examples of our values and dedication to justice. I am incredibly proud of our team and the impact they make for the people and victims of Kern County.”