Education

Law School/Year: Creighton University School of Law, 1993, magna cum laude

College/Year: Iowa State University, 1988

Bar Admissions

California, District of Columbia

Practice Areas

Civil Litigation, Criminal Law

Major Cases

Since joining the Department of Justice in 1993, I have prosecuted some of its most high-visibility cases against large-scale drug trafficking organizations operating internationally and/or in multi-jurisdictions throughout the United States. Among the most notable: I have successfully prosecuted numerous members of the Arellano-Felix drug trafficking organization leadership, organizations targeted in the largest heroin investigation in the history of the DEA and multiple Mexico-based steroids manufacturers and distributors who, up until 2007, were responsible for importing and distributing more than 80 percent of the illegal steroids available in the United States.    

Professional Background

I joined the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division in 1993 as a member of the Attorney General’s Law Honor’s Program, and was initially assigned to the Money Laundering Section and later to the Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Section. In 1997, I became an assistant united states attorney in the Southern District of California. From 2008 to June 2010, I was a deputy chief in the General Crimes Section, and from 1997 to 2008, an assistant united states attorney in the Narcotics Enforcement Section, where I prosecuted large-scale drug trafficking organizations, including several successful prosecutions of individuals involved with the Arellano-Felix organization.

Professional Affiliations

Federal Bar Association; California Bar Association; San Diego Bar Association; Lawyer’s Club of San Diego; National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys, SD of CA Delegate

Personal Background

I am the second child in a family of four girls. My family is a very down-to-earth, close-knit, Midwest family. I am fortunate to have parents who love and respect each other and who were committed to teaching their children the importance of strong values and hard work.