In the early 1980’s, my family purchased an old cattle ranch off the clearwater river which would set the stage for my gravel-road childhood not dissimilar to many Idahoans of hunting, fishing, and collared shirts covered in hay. After graduating valedictorian of my high school class, I attended Boise State University where I received my bachelors degree in criminal justice while coaching and officiating youth sports. Law school took me back to northern Idaho where I lived on Hauser Lake in order to attend Gonzaga University. While at Gonzaga, I founded the Gonzaga Rod & Gun Club, a conservation-minded student organization aimed at introducing college students to the outdoors and forging the next generation of sportsmen. While spending my last semester with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I agreed to take on contract prosecution work with the county of Shoshone to assist in trial preparation for a homicide case, ultimately encouraging me to relocate to Shoshone and take a full-time position in 2015 where I have been a prosecutor ever since.

I firmly believe that reinvesting in the youth of our society is the key to a sustainable future. Now with two young children and a pair of labrador retrievers running around our yard, my wife and I have an added appreciation for a county with strong community supports, better opportunities for our youth, and less crime on our streets. This appreciation has led to a continued desire to stay connected to civic-service organizations and school-based activities. As a result, I have served as the President for both our local Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, volunteer as a state hunter’s education instructor, established a teaching grant program for educators in the silver valley, and served as the President of the north Idaho officials association.

Growing up in rural Idaho, I learned very early in life how difficult it can be for rural communities to obtain professional services. Though law school took me away from my mountain roots temporarily while I pursued the studies needed to obtain a law degree, I was excited to bring that education back to north Idaho and apply it to public service. As Prosecuting Attorneys, we are truly the gatekeepers of justice and have the ability to shape both public policy and education to make our communities a better and safer place.