My background includes significant business and law enforcement experience.  I graduated from Spring Hill College in 1985 with a degree in Business Administration.   In 1987 I went to law school.  In law school I had a passion for criminal law and the administration of justice.  During law school I interned in the Lake County State’s Attorneys Office.  I went to work for the Lake County State’s Attorneys Office in 1990 as an Assistant State’s Attorney.  I left in 1998 after serving as a Senior Felony Prosecutor responsible for handling many high profile cases.

I was recruited and hired by the office of Jim Ryan, former Illinois Attorney General, in 1998 to help with the newly created Sexually Violent Person’s Bureau. In 1999, I was promoted to Chief of the Gang Crimes Bureau.  In this position, I prosecuted the street gangs from one end of the state to the other; held seminars on fighting gangs throughout the state; and served as editor of a statewide newsletter for law enforcement.  While in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, I also handled civil cases.  I represented the Director of the Illinois State Police in employment hearings and I represented the Illinois Department of Corrections in civil lawsuits.

During this period, I also served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney, advising federal agents and co-prosecuting federal criminal cases. I received numerous awards in the Attorney General’s Office for prosecutorial excellence.

In 2002, I opened my own practice, concentrating in civil and criminal litigation.  As a businessman and private attorney, I have handled many different matters including:  representing numerous people charged with murder and other serious crimes on appointments from the Lake County Judiciary; serving as Special Counsel for the Department of Children and Family Services on more than 100 cases; and serving as Guardian and an independent prosecutor on appointments by the Lake County Judiciary.

 While in private practice, I have distinguished myself in many ways, including receiving an AV rating, which is the highest rating from Martindale Hubbell.  This rating is based on ethics and ability, and is formulated by interviewing both fellow lawyers and judges in the area.  Only a very small percentage of all lawyers receive this rating.

 I have also spent the last 10-years teaching criminal justice at Columbia College.  Many of my students have been police officers.

In 2006, I was elected Sheriff of Lake County.  Since taking office on December 1, 2006, I have instituted an Ethics Policy for employees of the Sheriff’s Office.  I have also submitted an application with the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to implement the 287G Program, which will assist with the deportation of undocumented immigrants who are arrested for violent felony offenses.

Under my leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has made numerous budgetary changes to ensure fiscal responsibility to the citizens of Lake County.  The Sheriff’s Office has also worked closely with the Lake County State’s Attorneys Office to reduce the number of outstanding warrants for “Deadbeat Parents.” 

Also during my first year in office, a School Safety Team has been established, which works directly with school administrators in solving the unique problems that each district faces.  The Sheriff’s Office wants to be an integral part in helping to secure the safety of our communities’ schools through preparation, prevention, education and communication.

Recently, a Special Operations Group has been formulated.  This unit was put together to respond to riots and other volatile situations which may occur within the county.