A Cayuga County prosecutor has received a prestigious statewide award recognizing excellence, integrity, and commitment to justice. Mark Moody, Special Counsel to the Cayuga County District Attorney, was selected as a recipient of the Robert M. Morgenthau Award by the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York.
The award honors one assistant district attorney from each of four regions across New York State. It is named for longtime Manhattan District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau and recognizes prosecutors who demonstrate exceptional professional achievement and ethical service.
Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci said the honor reflects the highest ideals of public service. She said Moody’s 25-year career includes prosecuting serious and complex cases while maintaining a strong commitment to fairness, ethics, and public safety.
Moody began his prosecutorial career in 1997 with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. He later served in Onondaga County and Oswego County, where he was appointed Chief Assistant District Attorney in 2012 and served as Acting District Attorney in late 2023. He joined the Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office in 2024 as Special Counsel.
In his current role, Moody handles major offense and violent felony cases and provides legal guidance to the office. Officials said his leadership and mentorship have helped shape generations of prosecutors.
Moody said he was honored and humbled to receive the award, adding that he has tried throughout his career to be guided by doing the right thing for victims, law enforcement, and the public.
Moody received the award Jan. 30 during the DAASNY Annual Awards Luncheon at the organization’s Winter Conference in Manhattan.
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