Campaign Phone
307-399-7200
I am running for re-election as Albany County Sheriff to build on six years of progress. We have increased transparency, ensuring our office is open, accessible, and the first to notify the public during emergencies. Mental health is a priority. I will continue training deputies for crises and partnering with local clinics to redirect individuals away from jail. We are also using grants to reach 100% staff training in de-escalation. Our rural towns face unique challenges. From land disputes to natural disasters, my commitment to county residents will never waver. Backed by a diverse background in engineering, leadership, and a law enforcement career rising from Detective to Sergeant and Sheriff, I have the experience Albany County needs.
The Albany County Sheriff’s Office faces a major budget threat from a ballot measure to slash property taxes by 50%. Since property taxes fund county services, its passage will force tough budget decisions. I will fight to preserve staffing and emergency responses, but non-emergent services may be cut. We also face rising Search and Rescue demands. Federal public land rulings have brought more visitors to our open spaces, increasing rescue calls. We must launch public safety education campaigns and upgrade aging rescue equipment. Finally, we remain focused on eliminating impaired driving. We will continue alcohol safety education with local colleges and residents while strictly enforcing DUI laws to reach zero traffic fatalities.
The Albany County Sheriff’s Office does not conduct mass surveillance on our residents, nor do we contract with companies providing mass personal data. As Sheriff, my position is firm: my office has two core mandates to the public—to enforce the law and to protect your constitutional rights. While mass data collection firms are common in law enforcement today, it is our absolute responsibility to follow the law while enforcing it. The Albany County Sheriff’s Office will continue to reject contracts with mass data collection firms. I will ensure that your Fourth Amendment rights remain fully intact while I am in office.
I have partnered with many local, state, and federal agencies to aid in Albany County law enforcement. With every partner, the same rules apply: a judge-signed warrant or court order is legally required to make an arrest, extend a hold, or transfer custody. Every agency has provided what is legally required, except U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As Sheriff, I have not authorized coordination with ICE for extended custody holds or immigration enforcement because they cannot provide these mandatory legal and constitutional documents. I will never authorize cooperation with ICE or any other agency that fails to meet the strict legal requirements needed to seize people or property.
Campaign Phone
307-287-0761
Albany County needs a Sheriff with real policing and leadership experience. I have been a sworn peace officer for 38 years. I have worked in patrol, SWAT, and investigations. I have investigated Officer Involved Shootings, Use of Force cases, and allegations of misconduct against police personnel. I am a designated Master PIO by FEMA and have deployed to more than 35 major disasters. I have worked with a civilian Police Review Board and the Office of Independent Review. I have more than 3500 hours of certified police training. I hold a BS in Public Administration, and an MA in Behavioral Science. I have served in leadership roles for 17 years. I will build relationships within the community, in county government, and with partner agencies.
Fiscal Responsibility - With looming budget cuts, the Sheriff needs to be wise and creative with spending. Paying double what other Sheriffs are paying for inmate medical costs is irresponsible.
Safety and Security in the Detention Center - The Albany County Detention Center has averaged at least one death per year in the jail over the past five years. This is higher than many of the other jails that house 7-8 times more inmates than ACDC. This is unacceptable. Policies and procedures must be adhered to, and staffing needs to be appropriate.
Recruitment and Retention - Hiring needs to focus on the most qualified applicant. Standards cannot be lowered. Thorough backgrounds must be completed, and personnel must know they are supported/valued
I do not believe the government should be collecting, storing, and sharing personal data of its citizens. While Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), and similar technology might be valuable in areas overridden with violent crime, I do not see a need, nor do I support the technology in Albany County. Residents here have overwhelmingly rejected the idea of a mass surveillance system with little to no controls over what data is collected, stored, and shared. While the companies tout strict security protocols, recent studies have shown that simply isn't the case. Jurisdictions across the United States have ended their contracts with companies such as Flock. I will not support these technologies being used here in Albany County at this time.
I will honor ICE detainers. These are requests to hold an inmate for up to 48 hours to facilitate a transfer to ICE when the person has committed a violation of Wyoming law and is wanted by ICE. ACSO is the only Sheriff’s Office in Wyoming that does not honor these detainers. For those who say they don’t want ICE in our community, I agree, but the logic is flawed when they support the current policy. When a person with an ICE detainer is released, a Task Force of ICE Agents comes to Laramie to locate and rearrest the person. The 2nd part of this is a 287(g) agreement. There is current litigation against the Laramie County Sheriff's Ofc. for their agreements with ICE, so time will tell how the courts rule. Bottom line, I will follow the law!
