Investigative Journalist
Executive Producer For the past decade, my work as an investigative journalist has resulted in tangible change and accountability. My maxim is simple: I don't cover the news, I uncover it. Through powerful storytelling, I expose the truth and connect people through our common humanity. My approach now extends to producing full-length documentaries which tell compelling stories with the accuracy, enterprise, and creativity they deserve.Award Winning Documentaries
Blow: The True Story of Cocaine, a Bear and a Crooked Kentucky Cop
The film tells the incredible true story behind the Hollywood Blockbuster, Cocaine Bear. This entertaining yet investigative documentary is the most accurate historic account of the drug-smuggling cop and the bear who ate his cocaine.
23 Seconds: A Louisville Mass Shooting
The documentary film, 23 Seconds: A Louisville Mass Shooting is a first-hand account of a workplace massacre told through intimate interviews of the heroes who saved lives and those affected by the tragedy.
Original Content
True Crime Kentucky: The pilot series visually reimagines some of the most shocking cases covered by the media in the Louisville market. Its style, set and delivery were conceptualized with a modern yet appealing approach from a unique perspective.
Troubleshooters: Behind the Investigation: This podcast tells the story behind the story, bringing the viewers along for the ride. In the podcast, I discuss how our most impactful investigative reports came to life. Behind the Investigation received an Edward R. Murrow award for innovation.
Investigations that matter
This investigative report allows viewers to witness something the Sheriff did not want anyone to see: the terrorizing final moments of Jarod Draper’s life. Draper died inside a jail cell after being strapped to a chair, placed in a face mask and tased repeatedly until he died.
Through a series of exclusive investigations, I expose the torture being inflicted on children inside of Kentucky’s juvenile jails. My reporting led to the creation of the first ever all-female youth detention facility, numerous reforms, investigations, and arrests by the FBI and the Department of Justice.
Experience
WAVE News, Louisville, KY 2013 - Present
Documentary Executive Producer October, 2022 - Present
Responsible for the overall production of documentary films to include story selection, research, sourcing, writing, scheduling, conducting interviews and the final product. Worked with cinematographer and editor on aesthetics, tone, direction and execution. Collaborated with the marketing department on promotional materials and premiers.
Projects include:
23 Seconds: A Louisville Mass Shooting A veracious account of a work-place massacre told through intimate interviews of the heroes who saved lives and those directly affected by the tragedy. The film was hailed as a responsible, riveting depiction of the tragic events by the survivors themselves capturing their story in their own words.
Blow: The True Story of Cocaine, a Bear and a Crooked Kentucky Cop
The incredible true story behind the Hollywood Blockbuster, Cocaine Bear. This entertaining yet investigative documentary film is the most accurate, historic account of one of the heartland's biggest drug smugglers and the bear who ate his cocaine.
True Crime Kentucky Executive Producer Co-created the series using WAVE News's extensive archives of the city's most heinous crimes. The unique format allows for longer form story-telling with never seen before interrogations and video.
WAVE Originals Executive Producer June 2023 - Present
Helped create, establish and manage the WAVE Originals brand as a multi-media approach to innovative story-telling and exclusive content. WAVE Originals includes documentaries, a true crime series and podcasts. The products are styled outside of a traditional newscast attracting new viewers and streaming audiences.
Investigative Journalist/ Fill in Anchor
November 2015 - Present
Investigate, produce and deliver on camera investigative, exclusive reports of public interest with a focus on government corruption, law enforcement, abuse of power, crime and punishment and the judicial system
Investigations have initiated changes in state laws, city ordinances and agency policies. They have also launched state and federal investigations, audits, lawsuits, numerous firings, de-certifications of officers and restructuring of departments such as Kentucky's Department of Juvenile Justice.
A leading source of expertise and commentary in policing and detention matters including use of force, civil rights, transparency, media relations, open record laws and policy.
Extensive portfolio of sources across numerous agencies leading to breaking stories and exclusivity
Anchor newscasts as needed
Weekend Anchor / Reporter
Nov 2013 - Jun 2015
Anchor weekend newscasts and general assignment reporting with an emphasis on breaking news
Time Warner, Buffalo, NY 2011 - 2013 Weekend Anchor/ Reporter
Anchored newscasts for both the Buffalo and Rochester news markets, general assignment reporting as a multimedia journalist
WCJB, Gainesville, FL 2009 - 2011 Weekend Anchor/ Reporter
Anchor weekend newscasts and general assignment reporting with an emphasis on breaking news and as a multimedia journalist.
Awards
Multiple Emmys, National Gracie, Edward R Murrow, Associated Press
University of Miami
Bachelors Degree, Broadcast Journalism & World History
Click below to watch the full documentaries