Position/philosophy statement
My philosophy is rooted in Prevention and Prosecution. I believe that keeping our communities safe requires holding offenders accountable while investing in meaningful efforts to prevent crime before it occurs.
Current Occupation
District Attorney
Campaign Phone
7043976869
With 18 years of experience as a prosecutor, I bring a wealth of knowledge, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to public safety. Having served in small, medium, and large prosecutorial districts, I understand the unique challenges and needs of communities of all sizes. Throughout my career, I have tried well over 100 jury trials to verdict, including complex and serious cases involving child sexual assault and homicide. I believe that public safety cannot be achieved through prosecution alone. My philosophy centers on both Prevention and Prosecution, recognizing that meaningful, lasting change requires building strong partnerships with nonprofits, schools, faith leaders and community leaders to address the root causes of crime.
One of the most significant challenges facing my office is the shortage of dedicated, experienced, and ethical defense attorneys willing and available to provide representation to indigent defendants. The effective administration of justice depends on every part of our criminal justice system functioning properly, including access to competent and committed legal representation.
In rural districts like Anson, Richmond and Scotland Counties attracting and retaining qualified attorneys is particularly challenging. When there are too few attorneys available to accept court appointed cases, it can contribute to delays in resolving criminal matters, increase pretrial detention, and place additional strain on an already overburdened court system
One of my priorities as District Attorney is to establish a Drug Treatment Court and partner with Sheriffs' Offices in Anson, Richmond, and Scotland Counties to implement a Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program. Both initiatives reflect my philosophy of Prevention and Prosecution and holding individuals accountable while addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior. I understand we are not going to arrest our way out of addiction, and I am willing to pursue innovative solutions that balance accountability with rehabilitation.
I want to be clear that this program would not be designed for individuals selling or trafficking illegal drugs in our communities.
Additional funding would allow us to strengthen victim and witness services, recruit and retain experienced prosecutors and support staff to help improve the timely resolution of criminal cases. Increased funding would also support specialized training, improved technology, and expanded community outreach and crime prevention initiatives. My priority is to ensure that victims receive the support they deserve, cases are handled efficiently, and our office has the resources necessary to hold offenders accountable while promoting safer homes and stronger communities.
My extensive trial experience is an important part of my leadership as District Attorney. Having tried well over 100 jury trials to verdict, I understand the law, how to evaluate evidence, and what it takes to prepare and successfully present a case at trial. This experience allows me to recruit, train, and mentor new prosecutors to make sound legal decisions, negotiate fair and reasonable plea agreements, and hold defendants accountable. Effective prosecution is not about taking every case to trial; it is about knowing when a case should be resolved through plea and when justice requires a trial. That judgment comes from experience, preparation, and a commitment to fairness and public safety.
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