DuPage County assistant state’s attorney Paul Marchese was honored Thursday by Illinois’ Metropolitan Enforcement Groups in recognition of his prosecutorial support during a recent drug sting dubbed “Operation Scratch Off.”

In their selection of Marchese, directors and task force commanders throughout Illinois noted that “his dedication, guidance and assistance to the DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group during this investigation provided the resources which led to the arrests of 25 co-conspirators.”

“I am extremely proud of the work Paul has done in combating drugs not only in DuPage County but throughout the entire Chicago metropolitan area,” State’s Attorney Joe Birkett said in a written statement.  “I have known for years that Paul is an outstanding prosecutor. I see it in the courtroom every day in his determination and commitment to making DuPage County a safer place for us and our children. It is very gratifying for me to see his work recognized by his peers throughout the state.”

Begun in January 2008, “Operation Scratch Off” was a three-month investigation resulting in the dismantling of a significant drug trafficking organization operating in northern DuPage County with ties to Chicago and Rockford.

This year’s annual awards luncheon was held at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria.