Current Role & Responsibilities
I currently serve as the Chief Investigator for the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office Investigation Division (7/2025–Present). In this role, I oversee all investigative operations, supervise the Deputy Chief Investigator and investigative staff, ensure compliance with division policies and standard operating procedures, and serve as a liaison to the Public Defender’s executive leadership team.
As Chief Investigator, I am responsible for the strategic direction and daily operations of the Investigation Division, including personnel management, training and onboarding, quality assurance, policy development, case assignment oversight, interagency collaboration, and operational planning. I work closely with attorneys, investigators, mitigation specialists, and leadership staff to ensure the delivery of thorough, objective, and timely investigative services that support effective client representation.
Prior to my promotion to Chief Investigator, I served as an Investigator II with the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office (2017–2025), conducting fact and mitigation investigations in felony, misdemeanor, juvenile, family, CPS, and other complex legal matters. My investigative responsibilities included witness interviews, records collection and analysis, crime scene investigations, timeline reconstruction, trial preparation, and courtroom support. I also played an active role in training new investigators and developing investigative procedures and best practices.
Education & Professional Background
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Management, which provided me with a strong foundation in criminal justice systems, organizational leadership, and public service.
I bring more than 17 years of investigative and public service experience in both criminal defense and child welfare investigations. Before joining the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office, I served with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) from 2008 to 2014 as an Investigator, Field Trainer, and Classroom Trainer. During my time with DFPS, I conducted child abuse and neglect investigations while developing and delivering training programs for new and experienced investigators throughout Texas.
My professional experience includes curriculum development, statewide training initiatives, child death review processes, alternative response investigations, staff mentoring, quality assurance, and operational leadership. These experiences have provided me with extensive expertise in interviewing, evidence collection, investigative strategy, case analysis, documentation, and personnel development.
Certifications & Areas of Expertise
I am a Certified Criminal Defense Investigation Training Counsel Specialist.
My areas of expertise include:
- Criminal defense investigations
- Fact and mitigation investigations
- Investigative leadership and supervision
- Witness identification and interviewing
- Records collection and analysis
- Trial preparation and courtroom support
- Child welfare investigations
- Case management and quality assurance
- Team mentoring and professional development
- Organizational development and operational planning
- Component Method criminal defense investigation and case management
Values & Motivation
I am committed to ensuring that every client receives a thorough, objective, and client-centered investigation. I believe effective investigations are essential to protecting constitutional rights, uncovering critical facts, and ensuring individuals receive fair and equitable representation.
My leadership philosophy is centered on integrity, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. I value mentorship and professional development and am passionate about building high-performing investigative teams that support the mission of public defense.
I chose this field because of my commitment to seeking the truth, advocating for justice, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families navigating complex legal systems. I believe that strong investigations strengthen legal advocacy, promote fairness within the justice system, and help ensure that every person's story is fully heard and understood.
Through my leadership, I strive to foster a culture of professionalism, excellence, innovation, and service while ensuring the Investigation Division remains a trusted and indispensable resource in the pursuit of justice for our clients and community.
