Education
DePauw University '04; Thomas M. Cooley Law School '08
Experience and qualifications
15+ years of criminal and civil practice; current deputy prosecutor
Community involvements
Henry County Councilman, 2022-2024
I began my legal career at the Marion County Public Defender Agency, and worked in the busiest criminal courts in the state-- handling a high volume of cases, including jury trials as lead counsel, and as second chair. I later continued handling criminal cases in private practice, overall devoting my first five year of practice to criminal law. After that, I spent over ten years practicing civil law as an estate and business planning attorney. I joined the Henry County Prosecutor's Office as a deputy prosecutor in December of 2025.
Prior to starting my own firm, I was the managing attorney of a small firm with more than ten employees. As a leader, I have the unique ability to bring individuals together to work toward a common goal. Administratively, I understand the value of creating and utilizing dedicated systems and processes within an office, which promotes efficiency, creates accountability, and manages expectations.
I'm running for prosecutor because this office is about so much more than prosecuting cases; it's about responsibility and purpose. My purpose is simple--I'm here to protect our children, so that our community can thrive in the future.
Decades of economic downturn have allowed criminal behavior to evolve and escalate through the years. Relying on what's been done in the past won't break that trend--new leadership that isn't tied to the past will.
As prosecutor, we must coordinate with local law enforcement and define our collective goals. From there, we must prioritize our crime-reduction initiatives so that our streets are clean, and this community is once again the place where young families and business wish to grow.
While some crimes may be the same, every case is different. That's why prosecutorial discretion matters. Because no two cases are the same, every discretionary decision should be made in the furtherance of our ultimate purpose; and, we must ask ourselves--will today's decision serve to protect our children now and in the future?
Furthermore, prosecutorial discretion should never be exercised based upon who someone knows or owes a favor. It should be based upon ethical principle and moral purpose.
Education
I attended law school at Indiana University McKinney School of Law. Where, after being certified to sit for the bar exam during my last semester of classes I graduated May 8th , 2004 and was admitted to the practice of law on May 17th, 2004.
Experience and qualifications
In October, 2004 I was hired as a deputy prosecutor in the Henry County Prosecutor’s Office and have served in that position for the past twenty-one years. In this role I have represented Henry County in all aspects of criminal cases including the prosecution of major felony jury trials. Additionally, I opened my law office in May of 2004. Where for over the past twenty years I provided representation for clients in bankruptcies, family law, and other general legal matters including representation of government boards such as the Henry County Solid Waste District.
Community involvements
I have participated in the New Start class, a program for high school age first time traffic offenders, the Sheriff’s Camp mock trial numerous times, and more recently Juvenile Probations attendance intervention program. I am a member of the Henry County Bar Association, where I have previously served as treasurer and vice-president. Additionally, I hold 1st Degree black belt rank in both Judo and Jiu-jitsu and at various times have helped train the youth of Henry County in these martial arts.
I opened my law office in May of 2004. Where for over the past twenty years I provided representation for clients in bankruptcies, family law, and other general legal matters including representation of government boards such as the Henry County Solid Waste District.
In October, 2004 I was hired as a deputy prosecutor in the Henry County Prosecutor’s Office and have served in that position for the past twenty-one years. In this role I have represented Henry County in all aspects of criminal cases. I have secured guilty verdicts in numerous jury trials including robbery, escape, sexual misconduct with a minor, and child molesting, in which the defendant was sentenced to 110 years at the Department of Corrections.
I operated my civil law office for over twenty years. During this time I was responsible for overseeing staff, budgeting finances, and filing federal and state required tax and business documentation. Additionally, I would coordinate multiple calendars and case management for court hearings in State and Federal Courts.
I have learned from operating my own law office how to effectively run an office on limited resources, and keep cost limited. Another strength is my ability to constructively train office personnel in all required areas. Having trained staff and other attorneys how to prepare documentation for many different legal issues, including highly detailed and technical Chapter 13 and 12 bankruptcies.
The top issues I see facing Henry County right now are the abuse of illegal substances, repeat offenders, and juvenile justice.
I will address these issues by continuing working with defendants Drug Court that want the help to stay clean, and working with law enforcement to target the major suppliers that take advantage of these addicts. As to repeat offenders I will use the habitual offenders’ laws as they are meant to be used to have the worst defendants receive extended DOC sentences.
We also need to continue improving on juvenile rehabilitation to ensure that they do not end up reoffending when they become adults. One step to this goal is to ensure they are attending school, and holding parent responsible when their children are not
Prosecutorial discretion is the power of prosecutors to make independent decisions in criminal cases, including whether and what charges to file, and how to resolve cases through trial, plea bargains, or diversion programs. I know finding the balance between seeking justice for victims and treating defendants fairly can be difficult. I will approach each case with empathy, and understanding that every individual has a story. I will work with defendants that want help in becoming productive members of society, while holding dealers, repeat offenders, and defendants who exploit these issues or citizens accountable for their crimes. I will listen to a victim's opinion and desires to pursue cases to outcomes they are comfortable with.
Education
Doctor of Jurisprudence, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, 2000; B.S. Biology, Purdue, 1996
Experience and qualifications
DeFur Voran LLC, Attorney, 2024-Present; Henry County, Dep. Prosecuting Attorney, 2014-2023 (felony, juvenile, misdemeanor, and infraction cases); Sorrell & Hamilton, Assoc., Public Defender, 2013-2014; District 6 Access to Justice, Executive Director, 2009-2014; City of New Castle, Court Clerk, 2007-2014
Community involvements
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Volunteer (advocate for abused and neglected children within the court system); Henry County Crisis Intervention Team, Member (dedicated to improving the justice system's response to mental health crisis); Red-Tail Land Conservancy, Board Member (protect and restore land and habitats); Aquatic Center at Baker Park, President (2004-2009)
I served as Henry Co. Dep. Prosecuting Attorney for 10 years, investigating and prosecuting felony, juvenile, misdemeanor, and infraction cases. I prosecuted a rape case to successful jury verdict to achieve a 66-year sentence and a child molest case to successful jury verdict to achieve a 20-year sentence. My approach as an advocate has always been about the strength of my convictions and the depth of my preparation. I’m committed to fighting for the rights and dignity of Victims.
Currently, I am an attorney with DeFur Voran, guiding and representing clients in civil litigation, non-profit and business entity formation, estate planning and probate administration, municipal work, criminal defense, and Guardian Ad Litem child advocacy.
During my time as Exec. Dir. of District 6 Access to Justice, I built and managed all aspects of a thriving pro bono legal organization that served seven counties in East Central Indiana. I recruited and assisted more than 100 attorneys, helping them to provide pro bono civil legal aid to area residents who couldn't afford counsel. I hired and managed a small staff and worked closely with my board to ensure success of our mission. I successfully applied for annual grant funding.
During the 5 years I served as President of the Aquatic Center at Baker Park, I executed and managed all aspects of a successful, $3-million, public capital campaign, coordinating the efforts of private individuals, government, engineers, and contractors.
I’m running for prosecutor because I truly care about my community. I’ve worked really tough cases fighting for victims of child molest and rape. I have the experience and fearlessness to take these cases to trial. I have the skill, care, and expertise to build trust with vulnerable victims, including young children, so that they can walk into a courtroom full of strangers, including the defendant, and find the courage to talk to a jury and judge about their fear and trauma. I have proven my resolve and experience. I also know there’s room for compassion—to help victims find dignity and navigate the justice system without fear; to help law enforcement work safely, fairly, and confidently; and to give people a chance to change when possible.
Just like coaches make decisions that shape the outcome of a game, the prosecutor has a lot of power to make decisions that will determine the course and outcome of cases. She has the power to decide whether or not to charge a person with a crime, what charges to file, and how to handle each case based on the circumstances. Although the ultimate decision rests with the prosecutor, if elected, I will collaborate and communicate with officers and victims at all important stages of cases and consider their input. I also believe that every case should be thoroughly investigated, organized, and trial-ready. This approach ensures accountability, deters future crime, strengthens public confidence, reduces delay, and eliminates lenient plea deals.
Education
Valparaiso University School of Law, Master's Degree in Criminal Justice/Public Safety from Indiana University, Bachelor Degree in Finance from Indiana University
Experience and qualifications
Over 10 years as the Chief Public Defender of Henry County and over 14 years as both a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and Deputy Public Defender in Marion County
Community involvements
Member of the Henry County Republican Club, Member of the Knightstown Comprehensive Planning Board, Delegate to the American Kennel Club, President of the Bulldog Club of America, Division II
I have exclusively practiced criminal law for 25 years, as of June 1, 2026. I have been either a full-time Deputy Prosecutor or a full-time Public Defender for my entire 25 year legal career.
I have extensive criminal jury trial experience, including several murder trials. I have also done in excess of well over 200 criminal court trials.
I have never practiced civil law and have only practiced family law as it pertains to those Public Defender cases involving the Department of Child Services CHINS (children in need of services) cases and child support cases.
As the current Henry County Chief Public Defender, I have managed a staff of criminal trial attorneys for over 10 years and maintained a county budget for my department. I was able to decrease my overall budget during my tenure, with only salaries increasing.
My office has excellent communication among all employees, we work well together and help each other out with court schedules and difficult cases.
Many changes need to be made to the current Prosecutor's office. The office has been very slow to provide Discovery to defense counsel, often taking many months to tender. Speeding up the discovery process and actually preparing cases for trial will expedite the criminal justice system in Henry County and decrease the cost to taxpayers to house inmates.
Lack of communication between the Prosecutor's office and the Department of Child Services. Many child abuse cases are not being criminally charged.
No drug dealing cases resulting in overdose deaths have been filed in Henry County, even though neighboring counties have filed many.
The Prosecutor's Office should file No Contact Orders in Domestic Violence cases.
Do more trials!
The Prosecutor has great latitude in deciding which cases get criminally filed in court, as well as, what those charges would be, and what level of felony or misdemeanor each would be charged.
This broad authority permits the Prosecutor vast discretion in applying the law to Henry County citizens.
As Prosecutor, I would prioritize cases based upon severity and overall public safety, while also weighing community impact and whether justice would actually be served.
I've learned through experience that you can't lump all types of cases together but rather look at individual circumstances in each case. Because no two cases are alike and each should be given individual attention and decisions should be made uniquely to that case.
Education
Shenandoah High School 1995, Purdue University Bachelor of Science Engineering 2000, Indiana University Law School JD 2005
Community involvements
Mason since 2009, PM
Henry County needs an aggressive prosecutor who is capable of finding creative solutions to problems that may come up. In 16.5 years of practicing law, I have learned that the most important trait that an attorney can have is the ability to make quick adjustments during a case to ensure that the best outcome for his client is possible. I have made myself a reputation for being aggressive, bold, and not one who goes along to get along. I am also running because the last few years have shown voters that having the wrong prosecutor, which we have seen in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Indianapolis can have disastrous consequences for the people of Henry County. Henry County can't afford to make the wrong choice on May 3.
The first major issue facing the prosecutor's office that I have heard from police officers is the fact that currently cases are sent to the office for prosecution, but with little or no explanation, the cases are not filed and no justice is given to the victims of those crimes. This fosters a disrespect for the law because many people believe that they can get away with crimes. The second issue is that recidivism (repeat offenders) needs to stop. The prosecutor must seek harsher penalties for people who commit crimes repeatedly. The habitual offender statutes need to be employed here as they are in other counties to ensure that career criminals are in prison where they belong and not on our streets.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Community corrections, through home detention is an excellent alternative to jail or prison. This affords a deserving offender a second chance while it also frees up jail and prison space for more serious offenders. It is also important with community corrections that an offender is paying for his own costs of incarceration and not requiring the people of Indiana to pay to house, feed, and clothe him or her. I also support the problem solving courts that the State of Indiana is employing. Currently, we have a drug court program and a veteran's court program, which I support and will continue. I will also seek to start a mental health court program for offenders who have
mental health issues.
