How do you choose the very best – from the best? Between collaboration, relentless work ethic, an innovative mindset and unwavering passion, the people nominated for Cellebrite’s upcoming Digital Justice Awards – better known as the JUSTYS – made choosing one of the hardest tasks of the year. 

We received submissions from around the world, and narrowing down each one is by far one of the toughest jobs. Cellebrite is proud to once again honor the important and incredible work being done in the world of digital investigations. Whether it’s by mentoring the next generation, advocating for those who can’t speak for themselves or overall excellence in their craft, we want this to be their night in the spotlight. 

Our first JUSTYS award show, which kicked off our inaugural C2C User Summit in Washington, D.C. in 2025, was an inspiring evening and we are elevating the event in 2026 to honor even more winners. It will be streamed on Law & Crime Network and hosted by one of its anchors, Jesse Weber!  

We’ve also expanded the award categories to include the important work being done in the enterprise space. New this year, several awards will showcase winners across state and local agencies, federal agencies and in the private sector. 

And the Finalists Are… 

Rising Star Award

Recognizes outstanding newcomers in the field of digital forensics. Nominees for this award should display exceptional promise and dedication in their early career. Criteria include notable contributions to investigations, a quick grasp of technical skills and a commitment to learning and professional development. This award celebrates individuals who, despite being in the early stages of their career, have already demonstrated significant potential and a promising future in the field of digital forensics.  

Rising Star Award Finalists:  

  • Jonathan Adams, CBP Air & Marine Operations 
  • Vijay Gahlawat, Delhi Police 

  • Jesse Lao, OpenText

  • Chante Newberry, Wichita Police Department 

Voice for the Voiceless Award 

Acknowledges cases or individuals who have given a voice to victims through digital forensics, with an emphasis on how these efforts have brought closure and peace to communities and families.  

Voice for the Voiceless Award Finalists: 

  • Chad Ciani, Sumter County, GA Sheriff’s Office  
  • Patrick Eller, Metadata Forensics 
  • Eric Landamia, Bucks County, PA District Attorney’s Office 
  • Kenneth Temaat, City of El Dorado Police 

Mentor of the Year –  

Highlights mentors who have guided their mentees not only in technical skills but also in understanding and serving the community’s needs, fostering the next generation of community-focused digital forensic professionals. Criteria include the impact of mentorship on the development of others, the creation of a supportive learning environment and the ability to inspire and empower mentees. Additionally, nominees are evaluated on their dedication to knowledge sharing, leadership qualities and the overall positive influence they’ve had on the digital forensics community.   

Mentor of the Year Award Finalists – Private Sector: 

  • Bill Aycock, VerifiLab 
  • Julie Lewis, Digital Mountain

Mentor of the Year Award Finalists – Public Sector: 

  • Elizabeth Marsden, Rochester Police Department 
  • Sam Riedel, North Charleston Police Department
  • Adrian Vallejos, Policia Federal Argentina

Digital Bridge Builder Award

Recognizes outstanding initiatives or individuals that have used digital tools to connect or support multiple law enforcement agencies, fostering collaboration, understanding and mutual support to solve a case that crosses geographic boundaries.  

Digital Bridge Builder Award Finalists: 

  • Diego Castro, Brazil Policia Civil do Distritor Federal (PCDF)  
  • Ralph Henderson, Cumbria Constabulary
  • Kevin Hughes, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Guete Javier, Wichita Police Department

Excellence in eDiscovery 

This award recognizes outstanding achievements in eDiscovery within the private sector. Nominees should demonstrate proficiency in large volume and/or disparate data and utilizing advanced technologies to enhance the eDiscovery process. Criteria include the successful resolution of complex legal cases and/or contributions to improving the efficiency and accuracy of legal investigations.   

Excellence in eDiscovery Finalists: 

  • Kirk Crabb, KLDiscovery 
  • Michael Kriegal, TransPerfect Legal
  • Nishant Krishna, Visiminds Technologies

Excellence in Digital Forensics Award –  

Recognizing outstanding professionals who excel at digital forensics resulting in a major impact to the community and those being protected. Nominees from each region (EMEA, APAC, LATAM and North America) should demonstrate exceptional skill in conducting effective examinations/investigations, showcasing a keen ability to gather, analyze and validate evidence. The criteria include a track record of successful case resolutions, innovative approaches to solving complex problems and effective collaboration with colleagues and external partners. Additionally, nominees are evaluated based on their leadership qualities, ethical conduct and contributions to the overall improvement of investigative processes. This award recognizes individuals who consistently go above and beyond to achieve outstanding results in the field of law enforcement investigations.   

Excellence in Digital Forensics Finalists:  

AMERICAS: 

  • Edward Dalton, Tooele City Police 
  • Michelle Palamara, Buffalo Police Department 
  • Mateus Polastro, Brazil Policia Federal
  • Willian Rubern Gutierrez Salvador, Peru Ministerio Público Fiscalía de la Nación 
  • Eunice Monge Saucedco, Mexico Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana
  • Raul Vallejo, Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office 

EMEA + APAC: 

  • Lim Tuan Liang, HTX 
  • Matthias Müller, Polizeipräsidium Heilbronn / Kriminalpolizeidirektion Heilbronn
  • Christian Peter, Thüringer Polizei 
  • Johann Polewczyk, University of Lausanne, School of Criminal Justice 

Enterprise Innovator of the Year – Private Sector  

This award celebrates individuals or teams who have demonstrated exceptional innovation in the private sector. Nominees should showcase their ability to implement cutting-edge technologies and creative solutions that have significantly transformed their organization’s operations. The criteria include the impact of their innovations on business efficiency, the successful adoption of new technologies, and their role in driving organizational growth and success.   

Enterprise Innovator of the Year Finalists: 

  • Bill Aycock, VerifiLab 
  • Brian McHughs, Innovation Driven
  • Marcelo L. Ribeiro De Carvalho, Cartorio Virtual

Case of the Year – Public Sector (Global)  

Recognizes an exceptional and impactful investigation within law enforcement solved with the help of digital evidence. Nominees should present a case that demonstrates outstanding investigative prowess, innovation in problem-solving and significant contributions to solving complex challenges. Evaluation criteria include the case’s impact on public safety, successful resolutions and the use of advanced digital forensic techniques or technologies. The award also considers effective collaboration within the investigative team, ethical conduct and the ability to overcome unique obstacles. The “Case of the Year” celebrates the dedication and excellence displayed in a particular investigation that stands out as exemplary in its significance and outcomes. The case must have been adjudicated between January 2024 and July 31, 2025.  

Case of the Year Finalists: 

  • Claire Hardisty and Laura Boothroyd, Lancashire Constabulary 

  • Lee Martin, Darren Murphy, Paul Baddeley, Bedfordshire Major Crime Unit 

  • Aisha Rahman, Homeland Security Investigations 

Other awards that will be presented at the JUSTYS and chosen by a committee: 

  • Excellence in Defense and Intelligence 
  • Cellebrite Design Partner of the Year / Trailblazer Award 
  • Community Guardian Award  
  • Champions for Kids, Presented by NCMEC   
  • Distinguished Service Recognition 

We hope you’ll join us to CELLEBRATE (see what we did there?) the best of the best on Tuesday evening, April 14, 2026. The JUSTYS is taking place in the midst of the industry’s finest conference, the C2C User Summit at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. Be sure to register today! 

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