I have been a prosecutor for over twenty-five years.  During that time, I have focused on serving victims of crime in a caring and compassionate manner.  

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1. Victim Services Division.  In 2017, we rethought the victim model in the office and created the Victim Services Division, a model that takes a holistic approach to interaction with victims of crime.  In 2023, we took an additional step forward by hiring an assistant Director of Victim Services.  Both our Director of Victim Services and Assistant Director of Victim Services have bachelor’s degrees in social work and previously worked for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.  Through training and education they have become experts in their field capable of testifying in Court about the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our Victim Services Division focuses on providing comfort and services to victims of crime.  Their goal is to make contact with victims no later than forty-eight hours after we have been notified of a crime.  While that is our goal, a majority of the time, contact is made within several hours of notification.  Our victim services personnel guide victims through the court process, help to open access to funding for medical care, therapy, and restitution, and act as a conduit between victims and prosecutors.

2. Piper Justice.  In May 2024, we expanded our reach by adding Piper Justice, a four-month old Golden Retriever to our team.  Piper Justice lives with our Director of Victim Services and is in the office every day to help break down barriers between victims, prosecutors, and the justice system.  Piper is invaluable assisting child victims in opening up and getting through the criminal justice system. In March 2025, Piper became a certified therapy dog.  

3. Victim Offender Reconciliation Program.  At the conclusion of a criminal case, sometimes victims have not completed the healing process.  In 2022, we started a Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP), modeled after a successful program in Polk County.  The purpose of VORP is to allow victims the opportunity to talk with their offenders about what the offender’s actions have done to them.  Our Director and Assistant Director are both certified mediators and mediate these sessions in an attempt to: 1. Bring closure to the incident for the victim, and 2. Bring awareness to the offenders about the consequences of their actions.       

4. Support Group for Domestic Violence Survivors.  In June 2025, our Victim Services Division launched a support group called, Healthy Relationships & Supporting Change.  The group is designed to provide a safe, confidential space for individuals to heal, share experiences, and build resilience for women who have survived domestic violence.  In addition to providing emotional support, participants will receive information on legal assistance, housing options, and other available community resources.  The group is led by my Director of Victim Services.