My parents came to the US from Puerto Rico during the "Great Migration" of the 1950s and 60s. They were high school dropouts—times were different back then. They met young, married young. My mother at 19, my father at 20.

After a brief time in Chicago, they moved back to Trenton in 1971. That's where I grew up—from the age of 2.

We bounced around at first. Stockton Street. Greenwood Avenue. Eventually, we settled into our own home on the 600 block of Lamberton. Five kids across sixteen years.

My father worked at Hill Refrigeration. My mother at Circle F. We weren't rich, but they made it work.

Faith, Education, Hard Work

My parents were deeply religious—lifelong members of the Assembly of God Pentecostal Church in Trenton, led by Reverend Jose Rodriguez. They instilled in us a love of God and a commitment to service.

Education and hard work weren't optional in our house. They were the way forward. All five of us graduated from Trenton High School.

I graduated from Trenton Central High School in 1987 and went on to Rutgers University.

After my first year of college, I joined the US Marine Corps Reserves. I served for eight years and received an Honorable Discharge as a Corporal.

In fall 1989, I joined Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc.—the first Latin fraternity in the country. I've served as National President (1996-1998) and currently serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

26 Years Serving Trenton

I left college with one semester to go. I took the police test and entered the academy on March 9, 1992. That began my 26-year career with the Trenton Police Department.

I returned to Rutgers and earned my Bachelor's Degree in Political Science in January 1996.

During my time with TPD, I served in nearly every capacity:

• Patrol Officer (2 years) – Where it all starts. Learning the streets.

• Pro-Active Unit (6.5 years) – One of the original SWAT team members. Focused on street-level crime: narcotics, prostitution, gangs, and violent offenders.

• Detective (5.5 years) – Criminal Investigations Bureau. Spent most of my time in the Robbery Unit.

• Sergeant (2006) – Returned to patrol. Led the south district midnight tour for three years.

• Lieutenant (2009) – South District Commander. Oversaw 50+ officers. Under my leadership, crime in the south district dropped 10%.

The Layoffs. The Comeback.

In 2011, budget cuts forced the layoff of over 100 officers and the demotion of 50+ supervisors. I was demoted back to Sergeant for 5.5 years.

During that time, I led the TAC Unit, served in patrol, and commanded the Warrant Squad.

In 2014, I returned to school and earned my Master's Degree in Education & Human Services from Seton Hall University.

In 2016, I was re-promoted to Detective Lieutenant and placed in charge of the Major Crimes Section in the Criminal Investigations Bureau. That section included:

• Homicide Unit

• VICE Unit

• Shooting Response Team

• Violent Crime Unit

• Street Crime Unit

• Robbery/Assault Unit

• Criminal Intelligence Unit

I retired from TPD in 2018 after 26 years of service.

Leading Beyond Trenton

After being passed over for Police Director due to internal politics, I left Trenton in 2019.

I relocated to Kentucky, where I worked as a Home Resource Coordinator for a foster care agency—preparing, training, and certifying families for fostering. I served for 1.5 years.

In 2021, I returned to policing as a Detective with the Allen County, KY Sheriff's Office.

In 2022, I became Chief of Police for the Hoopa Reservation in Northern California. I served for 2.5 years, modernizing the department and improving services and response.

In 2024, I returned to Kentucky and served as a Deputy with the Warren County Sheriff's Office, finishing my law enforcement career in July 2025.

Coming Home

In August 2025, I moved back to Trenton. My mother was getting older. My family wanted to return to New Jersey. And honestly... Trenton has always been home.

I've been married for 29 years to my beautiful wife, Janet. We have two sons—William and Devin.

I've lived the experience. I've led under pressure. I've been held accountable. I've failed, learned, and overcome.

Now I'm ready to lead this city—not as a politician, but as someone who's done the work.

Let's Go From Trenton to Triumph.