Bringing down a deadly insurance arsonist has earned FultonCounty District Attorney Louise K. Sira, the first-ever Prosecutorof the Year award by the New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud (NYAAIF).

Sira spearheaded a two-year, multi-agency investigation thatresulted in the conviction of Jeffrey Alnutt, his daughter and son-in-law for a deadlyinsurance-based arson. Alnutt was sentenced to 25 years to life instate prison.

In 2004, a rental property in Johnstown, owned by Alnutt, wasdestroyed by fire.The investigation fell short of thethreshold for prosecution, remaining inactive. In 2007, a fireoccurred at another Alnutt property in Gloversville. The buildingwas destroyed and tenant Debra Morris was killed.

After interviewing more than 30 witnesses and working longnights and weekends, Sira discovered that Alnutt was in deepfinancial trouble, and was set to make $200,000 from thedestruction of the building.

Sira's dedication to rooting out the truth, ability to piecetogether a complex case and leadership in the prosecutioneventually led to Alnutt's sentencing.

"Sira succeeded despite difficult circumstances, budgetconstraints and few support staff," says John Sargent, NYAAIF."Through hard work and relentless drive, District Attorney Siratook down a dangerous case of greed."

The award was presented by New York Frauds Bureau investigatorPhil D'Angelo, who worked with Sira on the case.

The NYAAIF award launched this year, seeking to recognize bestpractices and outstanding success in prosecuting insurance fraud.NYAAIF is an alliance of more than 100 insurance companies that wascreated in 1999 to educate consumers about the cost of fraud and tohelp consumers avoid becoming victims. For more information, visitwww.fraudny.org.