After nearly 15 years of service, I am announcing my early retirement as Criminal District Attorney for Galveston County, effective September 30, 2025. I had previously announced my intention to serve through the end of my current term in December 2026. However, after careful consideration and prayer, I have accepted a rare and exceptional opportunity to join the faculty at Houston Christian University later this year.
It has been the greatest privilege of my career to serve the people of Galveston County as their Criminal District Attorney since 2011. During that time, I have had the pleasure of working alongside some of the finest prosecutors, law enforcement professionals, and support staff in this great State. I am truly proud of all that the honorable public servants at the Galveston County DA’s Office have accomplished together over the last nearly 15 years.
In 2015, our Office played a key role in working with the Texas Forensic Science Commission and other State agencies so that Texas led the nation to ensure accurate forensic DNA evidence reliability standards. Likewise, over the years our Office has obtained justice in so many tragic and difficult criminal cases, including that of serial killer William Reece. Through it all, the prosecutors, investigators, and staff at our Office have given their very best in service to our constituents.
And so it is with a bittersweet heart that I have made the decision to retire from this Office. The opportunity to join the faculty of Houston Christian University is a natural next step in my commitment to justice and public service. In this role, I will have the privilege of teaching the next generation of legal professionals, mentoring students as they prepare for careers in law, and sustaining a top notch legal studies program that prepares students for the challenges and responsibilities of careers in law and related professions.
Having served as a prosecutor for nearly 25 years, I’ve come to believe that excellent legal education must combine rigorous academic study with practical experience and a strong ethical foundation. I look forward to sharing the lessons I’ve learned in public service with the students at HCU, who will one day go on to serve in courtrooms, law firms, law enforcement and public offices across Texas and beyond.
I am committed to ensuring the orderly transfer of duties as I make this transition from public service. I will work closely with the Governor’s Office, my staff and Galveston County officials to ensure a smooth transition for my successor so that the administration of justice for the people of Galveston County remains trustworthy and effective and continues without interruption. I have complete confidence in my staff to maintain and advance the high standards of professionalism and dedication to justice that define this Office.
I am deeply grateful to the voters who entrusted me with this responsibility and to the many dedicated professionals who have supported our work. To my staff, who have shown unwavering commitment to justice; to our law enforcement partners, who work tirelessly to keep our community safe; to the judges and court personnel who ensure our justice system functions effectively; and to the citizens and community organizations who have supported our efforts – my deepest thanks to you all.
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your District Attorney.
