What experience (personal, professional, financial, other) would you bring to your role as Sheriff that will benefit our county? What are the roles and responsibilities of the County Sheriff, and what is your vision for the office?

I bring more than 20 years of law enforcement experience as an Arapahoe County deputy, including training cadets in gang intervention, firearms, arrest control, and anti-bias policing. I was named Top Academy Instructor in 2016 and 2017. Outside of law enforcement, I coach youth athletes and mentor youth transitioning out of the juvenile justice system.

The Sheriff should set the professional standard for the office while working to reduce crime, lower recidivism, support reintegration, and protect both the community and department employees. My vision is a proactive Sheriff’s Office focused on prevention, strong community relationships, and the responsible use of county resources to best serve the people of El Paso County.

If elected, how will you seek to protect the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, including the unborn, victims of trafficking and abuse, senior citizens, and those experiencing mental illness?

Protecting vulnerable people starts with building trust before a crisis occurs. I will expand programs that connect deputies with individuals experiencing mental illness, autism, or other challenges so that deputies are seen as a source of safety, not fear. I will also strengthen education and prevention programs focused on abuse, trafficking, and victim protection.

I support expanding the use of unmanned aerial systems to help locate missing and exploited individuals quickly and safely. In addition, I want to grow the mounted unit to improve community outreach and visibility in neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces. Public safety works best when law enforcement is proactive, approachable, and focused on protecting those most at risk.

How will you defend and protect the Constitutional rights of the people of El Paso County? Are there circumstances in which you believe a Sheriff has a duty to decline, limit, or challenge enforcement of a state or federal law that he believes violates the U.S. Constitution or Colorado Constitution?

Protecting constitutional rights starts with professional, accountable policing. Mandatory arrests required by law will be enforced, but many situations require deputy discretion. That is why I will prioritize training in crisis intervention, de-escalation, physical fitness, and anti-bias policing so that deputies are prepared to make sound decisions under pressure and serve the community professionally.

The Sheriff’s duty is to enforce state and federal laws, not to selectively ignore them. At the same time, the Sheriff should be a strong voice for the people of El Paso County. If community members believe a law violates their constitutional rights, I will stand with them in advocating for change through the proper legal and legislative processes.

What do you believe will be your most significant challenges as Sheriff of El Paso County, and how do you intend to resolve them?

One of the biggest challenges facing El Paso County is recidivism. When people leave jail and return to crime, public safety suffers, and taxpayers continue to bear the high cost of repeated incarceration. It is not fiscally responsible to continue spending county resources cycling the same individuals through the jail system without addressing the underlying causes of repeat offenses.

As Sheriff, I will focus on reducing recidivism through education, job training, mentorship, and stronger partnerships with community organizations. Accountability will remain important, but long-term public safety also requires rehabilitation and successful reintegration. By helping people build productive futures, we can reduce crime, better protect victims, and use taxpayer dollars more effectively and responsibly.

How do you plan to address the protection of citizens who live in rural areas of El Paso County?

Protecting rural communities requires both visibility and strong relationships with the people who live there. As Sheriff, I will work to increase patrols in rural areas of El Paso County and ensure that deputies maintain a consistent, visible presence in those communities.

I also believe communication is essential. I will hold town halls and community meetings in rural areas so residents have direct access to the Sheriff’s Office and can share concerns specific to their communities. Rural residents should not feel overlooked because of where they live. Every part of El Paso County deserves responsive law enforcement, strong community partnerships, and equal access to public safety resources.

How will you recruit and retain highly qualified talent in the Sheriff's Office?

Recruiting and retaining highly qualified deputies starts with valuing the people who serve our community. I will work to improve pay, mental health resources, and overall employee wellness so that deputies feel supported professionally and personally. Healthy, motivated employees provide better service to the public and are more likely to build long-term careers with the Sheriff’s Office.

I believe recruitment efforts should extend beyond traditional hiring circles. Expanding recruitment efforts will help attract candidates with diverse experiences, strong community connections, and a commitment to professional service. By investing in our employees and building a strong workplace culture, we can create an environment that attracts and retains top talent.

What are your thoughts on the establishment clause; and if elected, what will you do to protect your constituents' rights to freedom of religion, speech, peaceable assembly, and petitioning the government for a redress of grievances?

The Constitution protects every person’s right to freely practice their religion, speak openly, assemble peacefully, and petition their government without fear of discrimination or retaliation. As Sheriff, my responsibility will be to protect those rights equally for all people, regardless of their beliefs or viewpoints.

I believe the Sheriff’s Office must remain professional, impartial, and focused on protecting constitutional freedoms while maintaining public safety. That includes ensuring that peaceful demonstrations are protected, community members are treated fairly, and deputies are properly trained to respect civil liberties in every interaction. Public trust is built when people know their rights will be protected consistently, professionally, and without bias.

As Sheriff, what specific policies, procedures, and enforcement priorities do you believe should be implemented to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens while also addressing violent crime, credible threats, mental health crises, and court-issued firearm restrictions?

I support protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens while also prioritizing responsible firearm ownership and public safety. I will work to expand access to firearm safety, concealed carry, and education programs so residents have the knowledge and training to safely exercise their rights. Prevention and education are important tools for reducing accidents, and violent crime.

At the same time, state and federal firearm laws must be enforced. Individuals prohibited from possessing firearms, including convicted felons and those subject to lawful court restrictions, should not have access to firearms. I also support continued crisis intervention and de-escalation training for deputies responding to mental health situations and credible threats to ensure that responses are professional, lawful, and focused on safety.

There has been a rise in incidences of anti-Americanism and antisemitism in Colorado and across our nation. What do you view as the causes, and what should be done to address these issues?

Hatred toward any group, including antisemitism and anti-American extremism, often grows from misinformation, division, and a lack of understanding between communities. Education and strong community relationships are critical to preventing those beliefs from taking hold and escalating into threats or violence.

As Sheriff, I will support professional anti-bias training for deputies and expand opportunities for community education and outreach across El Paso County. Law enforcement should work closely with faith communities, schools, and local organizations to build trust and encourage open communication. I will also ensure that threats, harassment, or crimes motivated by hate or intimidation are taken seriously and investigated professionally. Public safety depends on protecting every member of our community and upholding equal treatment under the law.

Do you believe that illegal entries into the United States have led to problems in Colorado, and if so, what would you do to improve the situation? Also, what is your opinion of sanctuary cities and counties?

Many immigrant families are hardworking people who contribute to our economy, neighborhoods, and communities every day. I also believe the legal immigration process should be easier to understand and navigate so that people have a fair opportunity to follow the law and build a life here legally.

As Sheriff, my responsibility is to focus on public safety issues that directly impact our county, including violent crime, trafficking, drugs, and protecting victims. Simply being in the country illegally is a civil immigration matter, not a violent criminal offense, and it is not the Sheriff’s primary role to arrest people solely for that reason.

As Deuteronomy 10:19 teaches, “Love the foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”

Many Christians are concerned about ideologies that place the state, the collective, or religious law above individual liberty and limited constitutional government. Do you believe socialism, communism, or political movements seeking to impose religious law — including Islamic Sharia law — are compatible with America's constitutional representative democracy? Why or why not?

America’s constitutional system is built on individual liberty, freedom of religion, and representative government. Any ideology or political movement that seeks to take away those rights or place government or religious control above the Constitution is not compatible with those principles.

As Sheriff, my responsibility is not to police political beliefs but to uphold the Constitution and enforce the law fairly and professionally. Every person has the right to peacefully express their beliefs, but actions that violate the law or threaten the rights and safety of others will be addressed through the legal process. I also believe education on constitutional rights, civic responsibility, and the rule of law is important to maintaining a strong and free society.

What experience (personal, professional, financial, other) would you bring to your role as Sheriff that will benefit our county? What are the roles and responsibilities of the County Sheriff, and what is your vision for the office?

I have served the community and the Sheriff’s Office for nearly 31 years, and I am the Vice President of the Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition, protecting our 2nd Amendment rights. I began my career in 1995, graduating from a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy. I have worked my way through the ranks, serving as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Commander, Bureau Chief and Undersheriff.

During my 31 years, I have served in diverse capacities to include the Jail, Court and Transport, Internal Affairs, Intake and Release, the Special Response Team, Metro, Vice, Narcotics, and Intelligence while working with a Street Impact Team, and Marijuana Regulation, Concealed Handgun Permits, Training, Recruiting, and Budget and Finance.

If elected, how will you seek to protect the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, including the unborn, victims of trafficking and abuse, senior citizens, and those experiencing mental illness?

I will continue to address the mental health crisis in our County, both in the community and within the Jail. I have increased efforts and programs proven to be effective in addressing citizens experiencing a mental health crisis. These efforts have provided critical services to citizens in the community at their time of need and reduced uses of force within the Jail.

I have worked to reduce victims and crime through increased protections for the innocent and consequences to offenders utilizing systems designed to prevent crime by increasing staff in critical areas and assigning a full-time detective to Crimes Against Children.

How will you defend and protect the Constitutional rights of the people of El Paso County? Are there circumstances in which you believe a Sheriff has a duty to decline, limit, or challenge enforcement of a state or federal law that he believes violates the U.S. Constitution or Colorado Constitution?

It is my Constitutional obligation to ensure I uphold the law. I hire individuals with integrity and train them with the same understanding of Constitutional law. I work with legislators to protect El Paso County from undue governmental encroachment. I seek community support and input regarding legislation with potential impact to El Paso County.

I have personally chosen not to adhere to the health mandates directed by governmental agencies. This is a testament to my beliefs and conviction. I “walk the talk”.

Since being elected Sheriff and taking office, I have NOT seized any firearms under the “Red Flag” law and I DO NOT authorize “no-knock” searches. I have challenged unconstitutional bills at the Colorado Legislature.

What do you believe will be your most significant challenges as Sheriff of El Paso County, and how do you intend to resolve them?

The most significant challenges are battling legislation that allows criminals to remain out in the community, and unfunded mandates which adversely impact law enforcement or quality of life in El Paso County.

If someone commits a crime against a citizen of El Paso County, they deserve to be in Jail. Jail is key to holding criminals accountable and preventing crime from being committed against the community.

Illegal drugs transcend many types of crimes. I have been proactive in fighting reduced sentences for drug crimes.

I have been proactive in addressing the growing concern of human trafficking in our community by staying engaged in key, collaborative partnerships, including federal partnerships to combat internet crimes against children.

How do you plan to address the protection of citizens who live in rural areas of El Paso County?

During my first term, I have designed and worked to establish the first fully operational substation in El Paso County, scheduled to open this fall. This substation is located in the Falcon area and will increase services to unincorporated El Paso County, including the rural areas. My plan will allow patrol deputies to leave prisoners at the substation and immediately return to service. This will increase service directly back to the community instead of taking time to process prisoners at the Jail.

I have also added six more deputies to the Patrol Division to improve response and address calls for service.

How will you recruit and retain highly qualified talent in the Sheriff's Office?

The process I have implemented speaks for itself. I took over the office in 2023 understaffed by 44 deputies. I have been over-hired in the deputy position for over a year. At one point, we were nearly 30 deputies over our authorized staffing level, with current staffing at 24 deputies over. This allows me to fully staff critical positions to serve the community. I know of no other law enforcement agency in the state with these staffing numbers.

What are your thoughts on the establishment clause; and if elected, what will you do to protect your constituents' rights to freedom of religion, speech, peaceable assembly, and petitioning the government for a redress of grievances?

As Sheriff, it is my responsibility to protect the Constitution. At times this has meant watching people demonstrate peacefully outside of county buildings. I have not allowed my staff to interfere with or discourage the right of people to peacefully assemble.

I have encouraged my constituents to voice concerns and I have stood side-by-side with citizens as they testified at the Colorado Legislature to voice concerns about unconstitutional laws.

As Sheriff, what specific policies, procedures, and enforcement priorities do you believe should be implemented to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens while also addressing violent crime, credible threats, mental health crises, and court-issued firearm restrictions?

My policies ensure due process is protected. I have seized NO weapons under the Red Flag law and no member of my office has petitioned for a TERPO during my administration.

I have supported legislation to increase penalties for convicted felons who possess firearms and possession by previous offenders.

I have increased the Behavioral Health staff to assist citizens in crisis both within the community and the Jail.

My work to defend the Second Amendment has earned me the endorsements of the Colorado State Shooting Association (CSSA) and the Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition (PPFC).

There has been a rise in incidences of anti-Americanism and antisemitism in Colorado and across our nation. What do you view as the causes, and what should be done to address these issues?

I believe the cause of anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism is the media slanting stories and choosing not to tell the entire story but the view of one political party over another.

As Sheriff, I have taken great steps to establish relationships with many churches. Every year I have been welcomed by members of the Jewish community to celebrate Hanukkah with their families.

We must continue to voice our love of America and never back down. I share my story of living the American dream in the greatest country on Earth, where a young man from very humble beginnings can work hard, serve his community and run for public office in the community where I was born and raised.

Do you believe that illegal entries into the United States have led to problems in Colorado, and if so, what would you do to improve the situation? Also, what is your opinion of sanctuary cities and counties?

Crime has increased in communities where sanctuary protection has been granted. Gangs have established themselves in these areas where they prey on the community. I have fought the Legislature to allow law enforcement to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). I also fought to allow jails to transfer prisoners to ICE within the secure area to ensure the safety of officers.

I have been transparent with the community and released the names and associated crimes of those I have transferred to ICE from my Jail.

Many Christians are concerned about ideologies that place the state, the collective, or religious law above individual liberty and limited constitutional government. Do you believe socialism, communism, or political movements seeking to impose religious law — including Islamic Sharia law — are compatible with America's constitutional representative democracy? Why or why not?

Socialism, communism, and religious law are not compatible with our Constitution.

I believe our country was founded on the promise to allow free citizens to live our lives as we see fit. The Constitution was written to protect individual rights and allow prosperity and happiness through personal choice. The Constitution not only protects our rights but limits government overreach. Socialism and communism allow people to benefit from the work of others while placing the burden on those who work to better their lives and the lives of their families.