Benton County District Court Judge Pos 1

Legal/Judicial Experience

Judge Pro-Tem Franklin County District Court; Hearing Examiner Benton City; Partner Rio Foltz; Bell, Brown, & Rio; Contract City Prosecutor, Prosser, Richland, West Richland, Pasco, College Place, Othello; Contract District Court Prosecutor, Franklin County 2025;  Adams County 2026; Spokane County Deputy Prosecutor.

Other Professional Experience

Adjunct Professor Paralegal Program Charter College; Adjunct Professor WSU Tri-Cities Business Law; CJTC SE Regional Law Enforcement Academy Instructor; Member United States Patent Bar

Education

BA Molecular Biology, University of Montana; Juris Doctor, Gonzaga Law School; Master of Laws Intellectual Property, University of Houston

Community Service

NCFCA speech and debate judge; Liberty Christian School Volunteer; Handford High Career Exploration Day Volunteer

Statement

Consistent. Experienced. Principled. 

An exemplary judge must be impartial, maintain order, protect the victims and community, and the rights of the accused. After more than twenty years of dedication as your local prosecutor, I will be fair, firm, and follow the rule of law in serving as your district court judge.

My extensive district court experience has earned respect among the judiciary, prosecutors, defense attorneys and law enforcement. I am endorsed by current Benton County Prosecutor, Eric Eisinger, former Benton County Prosecutor, Andy Miller, all Benton-Franklin Superior Court Judges, a majority of Benton County District Court Judges, many members of local law enforcement, and local attorneys.

I have dedicated 21 years of my legal career to the betterment and safety of the Tri-Cities community. Our communities expect safe neighborhoods and accountability when laws are broken. Public trust in the justice system depends on consistency, professionalism, and judges who are prepared and impartial. I am devoted to this purpose and will work hard to maintain these principles. My wife, Carrie Sue, and I are grateful to be raising our three sons in Benton County. I am committed to ensuring your vote for me will contribute to a safe and law-abiding community.

Legal/Judicial Experience
Adult Protective Services Attorney; Title 11 Court Visitor; District Court Judge Pro Tem; Prosecutor; Public Defender; Private practice for 25 years; County Bar Association Trustee.

Other Professional Experience
Nurse; Respiratory Therapist; Emergency Medical Technician; Army Veteran; PFLAG President.

Education
Law degree from Gonzaga University; Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Social Sciences from Washington State University; Associate degree in Respiratory Therapy/Nursing from Walla Walla Community College

Community Service
YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter; Benton-Franklin County Legal Aid Society; Various County Bar Associations; Assisting youth and the public through PFLAG, Pride Foundation, and free legal clinics; Veteran’s Court Mentor; Office of Military and Veterans Legal Assistance.

Statement
I have always made it my priority to serve the public and advocate for the disadvantaged. I have practiced in the areas of civil, criminal and administrative law. I have worked in private practice and as a prosecutor in both District and Superior Courts. I have worked for DSHS in protecting vulnerable adults from different forms of abuse and as a Title 11 Court Visitor. I have volunteered countless hours in legal clinics in the area by assisting individuals in need of legal assistance. I have been a Judge Pro Tem for King County District Court since 2015.

Because of my diverse legal background combined with my many years of community service, I would be a well prepared and effective Judge. I would uphold the law and would not legislate any personal agenda. I feel that a Judge should be knowledgeable and experienced in all matters before them. A Judge should possess humility, a positive demeanor and temperament, and treat all those who come before the bench with respect and fairness regardless of their social or economic backgrounds. A Judge should never put their own interests before those of the court or the public for which they serve.