- September 20, 2024
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Age: 46
Residence: Orlando
Family: Married with three children
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Miami; law degree from the University of San Diego
Profession: Lawyer and U.S. Army reserve soldier
Qualifications: Board-certified criminal trial lawyer; successful law firm owner and manager of 13 years with 18 employees; Army officer and leader with experience managing judge advocate soldiers; formal Army education in leading organizations
Why are you running for State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit?
I am running for state attorney to genuinely serve our community and lead by example.
Discuss your previous experience and how it has prepared you to serve in this role.
I began as a prosecutor. Since then, I have been a private defense attorney. I started my own firm in 2011, and it has been a successful law firm now for more than 13 years.
What are the values and morals that have guided your life, and how will you use them as state attorney?
Respect and merit are my big ones. I deplore people who take what they did not earn — particularly when it is over others who worked harder and longer.
What are the key differences between you and the other candidates?
I am the only candidate who will be making less money, and I am the only candidate who is board-certified in criminal trial law. I am the only candidate who has started a private law firm from the ground up and the only one who served in the military.
Evaluate Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to suspend Monique Worrell.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to suspend Monique Worrell would only be justified if she was genuinely being derelict of duty or negligent (e.g., engaging in inappropriate prosecutorial activism). If that (were) the case, I would support his decision. If he did it for some political reason, that would be wrong, and I would not support that.
Evaluate Andrew Bain’s performance as state attorney after his appointment.
Andrew Bain is weak in many ways. First, he’s never had a legal job that was not handed to him by the governor or funded by the state of Florida. Second, he has zero experience in leading a law firm. Third, he is morally compromised by accepting a job that he was not qualified to do. In my opinion, he’s serving himself, his wallet and his career at the expense of the people.
If elected, what changes would you make to the state attorney position and office?
- First, I would look for the wisdom and experience of the judiciary, former state attorneys, chief assistants and senior management. Applying that knowledge, I would disseminate a new intent and mission for the office.
- Second, I would emphasize putting our people first and setting the proper example.
- Third, we would need to organize based on merit and respect.
- Fourth, develop a guiding coalition.
- Fifth, implement policies and procedures to keep our community safe.
Discuss your opinion on the death penalty.
I believe in the rule of law. If the law is to seek the death penalty in a case, I would not hesitate to do so.
How would your election to the state attorney position improve the lives of the citizens in Orange and Osceola counties?
The people would be better served with prosecutors who are experts in criminal law and leaders who have a proven track record of success. The office would have a more positive tone, and everyone who works here would know that their positions are safe because of their efforts — not because of their political affiliations.
Describe the relationship you hope to have with law enforcement agencies.
Very positive, because, like police officers, I believe in earning my rank, not having it given to me. Police officers would never work alongside someone who was not qualified, because their lives would be in danger. I would never put in for this job if I were not properly qualified and vetted. Also, I was an adjunct teacher at the police academy for many years.
