Campaign Phone
8122088555
Education
J.D. 1999 - Indiana University - Bloomington, Maurer School of Law, B.A. 1993 - Indiana University - Bloomington, Graduate 1989 - Terre Haute South Vigo
Occupational history and current position
Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Vigo County - 2007-Current, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Vigo County - 2000-2006, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Allen County - 1999-2000
Other public or political offices held, and when
None
Other past candidacy for public office
None
Accountability for repeat or violent offenders, recovery for substance use offenders, efficiency for cases, reduce jail overcrowding.
Vigo County has done well to increase available resources for substance use recovery and mental health treatment, but more can be done. As Chief Deputy Prosecutor for 20 years, I have worked closely with our community partners and the courts to develop and increase the use of these alternatives to detention, including implementing the first felony Mental Health Court in Vigo County, implementing the Veteran's Treatment Court, preventing the closure of the Vigo County Drug Court, developing and implementing the CLEAR program, and promoting the use of the Vigo County Community Corrections Dual Diagnosis program.
As Division 5 Judge, I would seek to return Drug Court to the court where it started before being removed under the current Judge. I would continue to work with local recovery groups including the Wabash Valley Recovery Center, Phoenix House, Truman House, AWOL, and more. And I would continue to work to develop more programs within the Criminal Justice System in Vigo County.
Access to the legal system is a many layered onion. Some areas are easier than others. Vigo Superior Court Division 5 is primarily a criminal court. All defendants are currently given access to an attorney from their first appearance and forward.
The current issue with this court is timely court dates and paperwork. Unfortunately, there are many times when a defendant has requested a bond reduction hearing or signed a plea agreement that allows them to be released from jail, and their hearing is not scheduled for more than 30 days out. This increases jail overcrowding. I will bring efficiency to the daily operation of the court, increasing access for the defendants.
Providing opportunities to change while still holding repeat or violent offenders accountable. Being consistent with decisions and rulings. Listening to all parties and using my over 30 years experience in the criminal justice field to make informed and productive decisions on cases, including orders related to bond, sentencing and probation.
I have spent 27 years as a Deputy Prosecutor respecting victims, the parties to a case and the criminal justice process. And I have worked to provide fair opportunities for defendants that want to change their future, while working to assure victims receive the justice they deserve. I will use the Indiana Code statutes and Indiana case law to assure that victim and defendant rights are protected, with a focus on protecting the community from repeat or violent offenders. Each case will receive individual attention that allows for fair and prompt resolution.
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