For the Record

Fighting and Preventing Crime

The core function of the district attorney is to prosecute those who commit crimes. Over his career as a prosecutor, Michael has worked closely with law enforcement officers to prosecute those who have violated our criminal laws. He will continue this work to ensure collaboration between the office of the district attorney and the police departments within the district. This partnership will continue to result in effective prosecutions.

Additionally, Michael is committed to public safety and crime prevention through community outreach and education. He will maintain the existing community partnerships between senior citizens, law enforcement and social service providers. Michael will also continue the work of the office in identifying and working with at-risk juveniles to prevent them from becoming criminal offenders.

Family Protection

The strength of our families is paramount to strong communities. Michael’s experience in prosecuting domestic violence offenders, and those who target our children for physical, sexual or emotional abuse, will serve to protect our families. Michael has also worked closely with victims and survivors of violence. He will be tireless in his fight to help those who are thrust into the criminal justice system through no fault of their own.

Elder Abuse

As a society, we owe a duty to those who have come before us. Michael has successfully prosecuted a number of cases where elders have been targeted as victims. Michael will continue to protect the vulnerable members of our communities, and ensure that those who victimize our seniors will be vigorously prosecuted.

Budget Crisis

The current budget crisis in the Commonwealth has forced the office of the district attorney’s office to do more with less. Michael’s experience within the office has given him the knowledge to effectively assign limited resources.

School Safety

The tragedy at South Hadley High School has shined a bright spotlight on the need for tougher laws on harassment and cyber-bullying. Forty-one states now have statutes against bullying and Massachusetts needs to enact a law that gives prosecutors more tools to combat these crimes against youth. The increased use of social websites, and cell phones equipped with cameras and text messaging capabilities has led to a dramatic increase in hostile bullying by students of their peers in recent years.

Mike supports legislation that makes bullying and cyber-bullying a crime, covers charter, private and public schools and requires every school district to adopt prevention and intervention measures so that the school and campus climate can be safe and respectful for all students.

Animal Abuse

As the owner of two adopted greyhounds, Mike is especially sensitive to animal abuse. In 2004, Mike led the first prosecution of two Southampton defendants who hacked a dog and cat to death with an axe under a November 2004 animal cruelty law that made the offense a felony and not a misdemeanor. Working with law enforcement officials from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Mike secured a six-month jail term for the lead perpetrator.

As district attorney, Mike will continue to investigate and prosecute animal cruelty allegations involving animals without proper shelter or nutrition, violations at rodeos, ox and horse draws, boarding kennels and stables and pet shops.