1. Why do you want to win this position?

I am running for Barry County Prosecuting Attorney because I believe it is time for new leadership in the Prosecutor’s Office. I want to use my experience as a prosecuting attorney to give back and serve the community that raised me. Barry County is my home. I grew up here, graduated from Cassville High School, and have deep family roots in this county.

2. What are your qualifications to be Barry County prosecutor?

I am currently an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Lawrence County. Since my first day in the office, I have been in the court room handling all types of criminal cases from drugs and property crimes to violent offenses and crimes against vulnerable persons. I have experience throughout the process, beginning with the initial filing of charges through to final resolution. I routinely review investigations, work with and advise law enforcement, meet with victims and witnesses, negotiate case resolutions and am not afraid to try cases in court to a Judge or Jury. I also serve as a Pierce City municipal prosecutor and city attorney. Additionally, I serve on the Board of the Lawrence County Crime Victims Outreach Fund which provides much needed resources for victims with funds acquired by various fundraising sources.

3. What are the three biggest public safety issues facing Barry County today, and how would you address them?

The biggest public safety issue I see facing Barry County is the drug epidemic. Drug abuse has been proven to lead to more crimes in the community. Thefts, violence, child neglect and sex crimes often stem from an underlying addiction. As Barry County Prosecuting Attorney, I will prosecute dealers aggressively and use every resource available, including early intervention, treatment courts and intense probation requirements for those offenders who have an addiction and want help. The second biggest public safety issue are crimes against children, the elderly and other vulnerable people. Child predators and abusers must be aggressively prosecuted and severely punished. Aggressive prosecution that results in meaningfully severe punishment is the only way to prevent hurt to more children. Lastly, I think it is vital for Barry County to recruit, train and retain qualified law enforcement officers and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office employees. We are a large County and it takes a long time to drive from one side to the other. We have limited resources, so it is important that the Prosecuting Attorney works closely with law enforcement and the County Commission to ensure resources are allocated effectively.

4. What specific steps would you take to reduce the number of repeat

offenders?

I believe accountability should begin with the first offense and we should not wait until someone has committed four or five crimes before taking their conduct seriously. Early intervention and consistent prosecution can deter a first-time offender from becoming a career criminal. Each case is different and accountability can take different forms. For some, accountability may mean probation with meaningful supervision, treatment, restitution, community service or participation in a specialty court. For others, it means going to prison.

5. What types of crime deserve the most attention from the prosecutor’s office?

The priorities of the Prosecuting Attorney should be guided by public safety, the seriousness of the harm and the need to preserve the peace throughout our County. Crimes involving victims deserve the most attention from the Prosecutor’s Office. Specifically, crimes against children, the elderly and other vulnerable individuals. Violent offenses, sexual offenses, domestic violence, financial exploitation and serious property crimes can have lasting effects on victims and their families. My office will make these cases a priority to prevent revictimizing these individuals. My office will also focus on drug trafficking and the drug abuse that drives theft, neglect and violence throughout the community.