TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
How would you work with law enforcement, judges, defense attorneys, and victim advocates to make the office of district attorney more effective?
Jesus tells us “… as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” I have always read it to mean we should protect those who are unable to protect themselves. My first priority in these cases is protecting the child. We work closely with law enforcement, child advocacy professionals, and forensic interviewers to ensure investigations are handled in a way that minimizes additional trauma while preserving strong, admissible evidence. When the evidence supports prosecution, my office pursues these cases aggressively and carefully. I assign experienced prosecutors who understand the legal, emotional, and evidentiary complexities involved, and we work to move cases forward as efficiently as possible while still protecting due process. My approach is guided by a clear principle: protect the child above all else, pursue justice with integrity, and safeguard the community. Why should voters trust you with this office? I have worked in the Bowie County district attorney's office for 21 years, 15 of those as the elected District Attorney—a public servant. I bring 35 total years of legal experience dedicated to serving this community and upholding the rule of law. Voters trust me with this office because I have spent my entire career preparing for and proving that I can handle the responsibilities that come with being district attorney. It is making sure the entire office is functioning at peak efficiency and protecting those we took an oath to serve. I insist on protecting all victims; sensationalizing crimes for political gain is unethical, and as DA, I will continue to keep media outlets at bay from exploiting the worst time of any family's life. I have represented the State in countless homicide cases. Including the death of a deputy sheriff, a triple homicide, and child-related deaths. I have been contacted by media outlets, and out of respect for the families, I have refused to comment. Even when I am not at the counsel table, I am behind the scenes making sure the cases are moving forward and protected from post-conviction attack. I bring experience running a small business in the private sector. It taught me to manage a budget, keep staff focused and productive, and that treating people with respect is the most practical business model. As district attorney, I built a proven track record of effective leadership, sound judgment, and results. This is not a job you learn on the fly. It requires steady leadership and a clear understanding of how decisions impact victims, defendants, law enforcement, and the community. Honesty and integrity are the foundation of how I lead this office. I have always been guided by the law and the facts, not politics or pressure. I am a strong district attorney because I have grown from the bottom rung of the ladder; learning every aspect of prosecution and office management. I bring a unique perspective, having served in both the private and public sectors. Voters can trust that I will continue to protect public safety, stand for victims, respect the Constitution, and use the authority of this office responsibly. I have earned the trust of this community over decades of service, and I ask voters to continue that trust so I can keep doing the work of justice fairly, firmly, and with integrity.
As Bowie County District Attorney, I have always worked closely with all individuals and departments involved in the criminal justice system. Over the course of my legal career, I have developed professional relationships with the judges and have a proven track record of honesty and integrity. I have worked closely with law enforcement for over 20 years, with the primary goal of getting violent offenders off the streets and obtaining justice for victims. I have represented the State in District Court, County Court at Law, Commissioners’ Court, Appellate Courts, Justice of the Peace Courts, Municipal Courts, CPS Courts, and Traffic Courts. My approach is built on communication, accountability, and mutual respect. With law enforcement, I work to maintain open communication at all levels. My office partners with officers and investigators early in cases to ensure evidence is collected lawfully, thoroughly, and with long-term prosecution in mind. With defense attorneys, I emphasize fairness, transparency, and professionalism. While our positions may seem averse to one another, we both work toward the same result: justice. I encourage open discussions, early discovery practices, and meaningful plea discussions when appropriate. With victim advocates, I work with our in-house advocates to ensure victims are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. By offering in-house advocates, we ensure victims are informed of their rights, kept updated on their cases, and connected to the resources they need. I have addressed the efficiency issue with the introduction and implementation of the Direct File System. Judge Leon Pesek Jr., the District Clerk, and I put in place a system that reduces the time between arrest and court significantly, ensuring justice is delayed no longer than is necessary for the victim. I am actively looking for the best and brightest legal minds who are interested in prosecuting cases for the State, as I am always looking for the best people to work together for Bowie County. Overall, by fostering cooperation, clear communication, and ethical leadership among law enforcement, the judiciary, defense counsel, and victim advocates, I strive to make the district attorney's office more effective, more efficient, and more responsive to the community it serves.
How do you approach cases involving crimes against children? What is your philosophy on prosecution and sentencing in those cases?
Before there were volunteers for a national or regional Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), I was involved in protecting the most vulnerable population in our area: the children. I actually served on the founding board of CASA Texarkana; CASA's work is a powerful tool that helps children from the point of injury to trial. Cases involving crimes against children are among the most serious and difficult matters my office handles. I approach these cases with the highest level of care, urgency, and responsibility. I have always taken a special interest in those who would harm or exploit a child and victimize the most vulnerable. In Matthew 25:40,
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