MONTICELLO — The current crisis of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has changed every aspect of life for the time being. While most are staying home to help stop the spread of COVID-19, those essential workers are still out there working and trying to navigate this strange new world.

The office of the District Attorney is no different.

Sullivan County's Acting District Attorney Meagan Galligan said, “I live, work,and raise my family in Sullivan County. During this unprecedented crisis, the health and safety of my friends, neighbors and community is my first priority.

“I am sure that we will weather this storm together, as Sullivan County, New York State, and these United States always have.”

According to Galligan, under the executive order of Governor Andrew Cuomo, her staff is working remotely, and the DA's office is closed to the public.

“Phone messages are continuously monitored by my support staff, and my Assistant District Attorneys and Crime Victim Advocates respond to those messages from home,” said Galligan.

Her staff is equipped with technology that allows them to have complete access to their office workstations.

“My investigators, my Chief Assistant and I still report to my office every day for the purpose of preparing for court appearances and addressing matters that cannot be handled remotely,” said Galligan.

She is also ready to meet with any police officer as deemed necessary to address public health issues while working together on confidential investigations.

Furthermore, she said she is working with law enforcement to “determine whether applications for special authority, like search warrants, are appropriate.”

“While doing so, all persons present observe best practices regarding social distancing, frequent hand washing, and disinfecting workspaces,” said Galligan.

Moreover, Galligan said that over the past two weeks, her office and herself had participated in investigations into sexual assaults, burglary, drug and weapons possessions, and other serious offenses.

“Those offenders will be prosecuted. This virus will not hamper these investigations,” stated Galligan.

Under the Governor's orders, courthouses across the state are closed; however, Galligans said court appearances and filings are limited to emergencies such as bail applications, orders of protection and search warrant applications.

All statutory timeframes applicable to criminal cases and appellate filings are currently suspended,” said Galligan.

Additionally, Galligan said that their grand jury is ready to serve; however, due to the Governor's Executive Order and guidelines against having gatherings of more than 10 people, they are not conducting any grand jury presentations.

Currently, she is working to equip each of the policing agencies in Sullivan County with technology that should allow arraignments and other court appearances to occur by video conference.

“It is anticipated that, initially, virtual appearances will still be limited to the kinds of emergency applications which are currently occurring in person, but it is possible that this could expand to include non-emergency conferences and other proceedings in the event that this public health emergency continues for an even more extended period of time,” said Galligan.

Galligan said she is working together with the county's leadership which includes the County Manager, Public Health Director and Emergency Operations Center staff, Sheriff's Office, local police Chiefs, and members of the New York State Police to address the immediate and ongoing law enforcement needs of our community.

“We are taking a leadership role in our region with respect to providing police officers with the critical information necessary to keep them safe,” said Galligan.