Assistant Clay County Attorney, Clay County Attorney’s Office
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I am an Assistant Clay County Attorney and have been since March of 2020. Simply put, I prosecute drug and weapons crimes, but have handled a variety of case types during my career, including child protection and juvenile cases. I represent the State of Minnesota in criminal cases and work closely with law enforcement to uphold the law, protect public safety, bring justice to victims, and hold individuals accountable for crimes they commit. I strive to give victims a voice and bring them closure during difficult times. As a prosecutor, I am tasked with balancing accountability with fairness and punishment with discretion.
Q: What inspired you to get involved in your community at a young age?
A: In my line of work, I see individuals at their lowest points. I have seen all of the work that goes into helping them get back on their feet, helping them heal, and making them whole. I have come to realize how many individuals, organizations, and services make up the justice system. I have seen people through the worst moments of their lives and, through that, have seen the shortcomings and gaps in some services. I want to work to help fill those gaps and make sure that no victim or person goes without everything they need to be successful.
Q: Who has been the most influential mentor in your life, and why?
A: My mother has been the most influential mentor in my life. She was a National Park Ranger and a teacher, and taught me a love for the outdoors and for history. As a teacher, she always went above and beyond for her students to make sure they had a good foundation for their education. Her goal was to make sure that each child was able to read. She showed me that hard work pays off, even if you don’t see the payoff right away. That has become more and more evident to me since she passed away in March of 2023. Since her passing, countless former students and teachers have reached out to my family with stories about how she helped them and changed their lives. I want to work hard at the things I am passionate about and be able to make a difference the way she did.
Q: What community issue do you feel deserves more attention?
A: This may be a niche issue, but the misinformation and misunderstanding about the criminal justice system is something that I feel needs more attention. When the news reports about crimes and big cases, a lot of times the information about the procedure and status is wrong.
