District Attorney, Cobb Judicial Circuit
THE STORY: I was born in New York. My father was in the Army, so we moved often. Our family settled in Birmingham, Alabama, where I would graduate high school. Following my father and grandfather’s legacy, I joined the Army in 1982, serving for 26 years and retiring in 2008. I served as a Combat Infantryman, with three overseas tours, including combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Throughout my military career, I continued my education, completing a bachelor’s degree in Public Management from Austin Peay State University, a master’s in Public Administration from Kennesaw State University, and a law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. After law school I served as a prosecutor in the Cobb Judicial Circuit, and was honored to be elected District Attorney in 2020.
WHY I CHOSE TO LIVE IN COBB: I fell in love with Cobb County the first time I visited in 2007. Our county has the best of everything: great job opportunities, a well-respected judicial community, and the perfect life/work balance. Also, Cobb offers the convenience of having a big city nearby, its own identity, rich in culture, performing arts, and of course the Atlanta Braves.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? As the District Attorney I have had the opportunity to implement programs which, have enhanced public safety in our community. My team of prosecutors focus on bringing those who commit violent crimes to justice, including securing a conviction for the brutal murder of Ahmaud Arbery. At the same time my restorative justice initiatives are providing treatment based resolutions to nonviolent offenders who are suffering from addiction and mental illness, as well as serving Veterans who find themselves facing criminal charges. My office has received national recognition for the service we provide to the victims of crime, including opening the first Family Advocacy Center in the state. In addition, through a partnership with the Georgia Justice Project, we have cleared the criminal records for thousands of community members.
LEISURE TIME: I love spending quality time with my gorgeous wife and daughters. We enjoy exploring all that Cobb has to offer. As a family, we are active in Zion Baptist Church, facilitating a small group Bible study and working with the marriage ministry. I enjoy working with our youth. I consider my personal mission to help every child be the best they can be.
BEST ADVICE: Be the example you want your children to be. Our behavior is a model for our children. For our sons, the way we treat women, especially their mother, is the way they will treat their future significant others. For our daughters, we are the man that one day she will bring home to meet us. Just imagine how much better our world would be if we could eliminate childhood trauma.
WHAT’S NEXT? I am so grateful for the opportunity I have been given to initiate programs such as the Alternative Resolution Court and the opening of the Family Advocacy Center. None of these accomplishments could have occurred however without the support and collaboration with our law enforcement and community partners. My vision has just begun; however, there is more work to be done in continuing to make Cobb County the safest in the metro area. Once re-elected, I will continue to focus on reducing recidivism, creating a reentry center for offenders, and providing victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, and child abuse the services and support they need. I will continue to focus on making our criminal justice system both equal and equitable. I am grateful for the men and women of the District Attorney’s Office and those who support our work. With your vote we will continue to make Cobb the best example of what Community is.
