Candidate for
Judge; Hamilton County Municipal Court; District 4; Unexpired Term Ending 01/04/2014

I am a senior member of the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office, and have made my mark as one of its top litigators. I am entrusted with the most serious cases that the office handles. In addition to my courtroom duties, I have supervisory responsibilities, which include counseling assistant prosecutors and advising police agencies on charging decisions.

I have successfully tried over 50 common pleas jury trials. I have significant experience in Municipal, Common Pleas and the Appellate Courts, and I have successfully prosecuted the most dangerous offenders. Throughout my career, I have shown a commitment to public safety.

I am a courtroom pioneer in prosecuting child predators. In a recent case, I persuaded the court to allow closed circuit television for the live testimony of a child victim. This allowed the child to testify in a separate room so as not to be intimidated by his offender, while at the same time protecting the defendant's constitutional rights. The jury voted to convict due to the child's testimony.

It is this type of innovative thinking that was rewarded by the Hope in Heels Organization, a group that recognizes those who advocate for victims of crime. I was the recipient of the Peggy Caldwell Award for my professionalism, creativity, and determination in working with victims of violent crime in 2009.

Prior to my current position, I was a Butler County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. I diligently prosecuted those who violated the obscenity laws, while also protecting free speech. I successfully negotiated the closure of a business that sold pornography and obscene materials. I also prosecuted the largest child pornography case in Butler County history, as of 2003.

I serve as Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Mt. Healthy. I helped improve the quality of life in that community by successfully litigating against a nuisance business which subsequently closed.

I am the youngest of eight children and I grew up in the Midwest before graduating from Kent State University and the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

I frequently lecture at schools and civic groups. I volunteer with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and The American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" movement. I am a member of St. Cecilia Church in Oakley. I am married to a St. Xavier High School graduate and reside in Cincinnati, Ohio.