DUTIES: Serves as chief prosecutor of anyone charged with committing a crime in Kent County. The State's Attorney's office also investigates charges of police and public official misconduct and misuse of funds.TERM: 4 years; no term limitSALARY: $160,625HOW ELECTED/QUALIFICATION: All qualified voters in Kent County vote for one State's Attorney. The State's Attorney must be a member of the Maryland Bar, a resident of Kent County for 2 years, and a registered voter.
Campaign Phone
(302)469-0014
I was raised in Rock Hall, Maryland, and attended Kent County Public Schools, graduating in 1995. I later moved to Pensacola, FL, working in contracting and taking classes at night to obtain my Bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of West Florida. I later attended Syracuse University College of Law where I received my Juris Doctor degree. I practice law mainly in the areas of criminal defense and family law throughout the mid-shore region.
Each case should be evaluated individually to consider the alleged conduct, the age and history of the offender, and the harm caused by the alleged conduct. I would follow legislative mandates as related to juvenile justice and seek restorative justice alternatives when appropriate. I would seek the alternative that best ensures the safety of our community while also safeguarding the well-being and rehabilitation of the alleged juvenile offender.
There are several alternatives to incarceration that should be considered in all juvenile cases, including diversion/education programs, intensive therapy, victim/offender mediation, community service, electronic monitoring, and mentorship programs. An evaluation of each case would dictate the appropriate alternative with an emphasis on rehabilitating the juvenile offender, ensuring community safety, reducing recidivism, and ensuring the well-being of victims.
Campaign Phone
(410)921-6637
Over 25 years of criminal trial experience — including 14 years in public service and the past 7 years serving as Kent County’s State’s Attorney. I am an active member of the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association and serve as Chair of the Training Committee, where I help oversee statewide training and professional development for prosecutors across Maryland. In the role I work to ensure that prosecutors are equipped with the latest legal knowledge, ethical guidance, and best practices.
Preventing juveniles from being prosecuted as adults requires focusing on accountability and rehabilitation. I support using prosecutorial discretion to keep appropriate cases in juvenile court and expanding diversion programs that address underlying issues like education, mental health, substance use disorder and family instability.
I support a number of evidence-based alternatives to juvenile incarceration that focus on rehabilitation, accountability, and reducing recidivism while keeping youth in the community when it is safe to do so. They are often used collectively and include, intensive community supervision, diversion, family therapy programs, credible mentoring, and restorative justice.
