June 6, 2004
Jerry Diskin
Francis Jerome "Jerry" Diskin, a federal prosecutor who handled terrorism, fraud and drug cases, died on June 1 from complications of brain surgery. He was 57.
A native of Mineola, N.Y., Diskin graduated from Catholic University in Washington D.C., and earned his law degree from Georgetown University. He clerked for Judge Harry E. Wood at the U.S. Court of Claims for a year, then spent three years with the Army Judge Advocate Corps at Fort Lewis Base in Washington.
Diskin launched a 30-year career with the U.S. Attorney's Office in 1976. Working out of the Western District of Washington branch, he served as chief of the criminal division, senior litigation counsel, supervisor of the drug unit and interim U.S. attorney.
In 2001, Diskin gained national attention for successfully prosecuting the "Millennium Bomber." Algerian terrorist Ahmed Ressam was arrested in 1999 as he tried to enter the U.S. from British Columbia through Port Angeles, Wash. In a truck filled with bomb-making materials, Ressam planned to drive down the West coast and blow up Los Angeles International Airport. Instead, he was apprehended by authorities and prosecuted by Diskin for plotting terrorist activities.
Ressam was convicted of conspiracy to commit international terrorism and on various explosives charges. In exchange for a reduced prison sentence, he has provided information to the government about Al Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan.
Diskin's superior performance as an assistant U.S. attorney was recognized in 2001 when he received a Director's Award from the United States Attorney General.
Posted on June 6, 2004 9:31 AMI haven't seen Jerry for many years, but went to grammar school with him, and we were in Boy Scouts together. I believe the first baseball game I ever played was in his yard on Forest Ave in Baldwin. Jerry lost his mother at an early age but never revealed his grief to the rest of the kids. Jerry's accomplishments do all of his school mates proud. There is little doubt he will be missed by his young famly, but he has left them a lasting legacy that would do any man proud. Jerry is with his Mom, Dad and brother Phil now-they have been reunited after many many years. Farewell old friend.............Steve
Posted by Stephen Eldridge on July 10, 2004 4:41 PMI remember piling into Jerry's Ford Fairlane after school, with no particular place to go. Great memories of a wonderful and honorable guy. He was a good friend at Baldwin High and we stayed in touch with holiday cards over the years. It was a sad day when I learned of his death. His family should be very proud of the man he was and the life he lived. I know I am.
Posted by Jeff B. Katz on February 25, 2005 10:48 AMI corresponded with Jerry for several years as we worked together tracing his Claffey ancestors. He was a meticulous researcher and a descendant of those in law enforcement. I sure do miss him.
Posted by Jim & Ann Claffee on June 22, 2008 11:56 PM