4. Thomas Spota

Persistence wins points with us, and Spota is nothing if not persistent. For 20 months now, he has been investigating a web of interconnected public officials in Brookhaven, managing to produce around a dozen indictments and half a dozen convictions. Even more remarkable than this court action is how Spota has every single Suffolk politician, operative, contractor and appointee on pins and needles, waiting to find out if they will be next. His Brookhaven investigations highlight the incredible power of the district attorney’s office, particularly in the hands of someone willing to use it. He also came off like a shining knight when he took over the previously fumbled search for LI teen Stephanie Caruso, who was lured away by a convicted sex offender, and helped bring her home safely.