MEET THE CANDIDATES: Warren County Prosecutor

Published 4:00 am Monday, May 29, 2023

 

Name: Christopher Green

Current Occupation: Attorney

Name: Stephen L. McMillin

Current Occupation: Attorney

Name: Tracie Herring

Current Occupation: Partner at Vollor & Herring

GREEN: I feel that the current prosecutor, Ken Harper, has done a great job and has effectively represented the citizens of Warren County as did Ricky Johnson, who preceded him; so I’d like to just continue in that tradition and build on the work that they have done wherever I see fit.

McMILLIN: I served as the appointed Warren County Prosecutor in 2021. I performed all the duties of this office exceptionally during my tenure with experience, integrity and professionalism. I worked effectively and efficiently with law enforcement, such as Warren County Sheriff’s Department, Vicksburg Police Department and the Mississippi Highway Patrol. I had a good working relationship with the 9th Judicial District, District Attorney’s Office. I will continue to seek equal justice for all victims of crime in Warren County.

HERRING: The importance of the position of County Prosecutor has been long overlooked and has not been fully utilized to meet the needs of the citizens of Warren County. As such, the appearances in Justice Court, County Court, Youth Court (as needed) and all other statutory proceedings are necessary to ensure that all criminal activity is vigorously prosecuted. I promise the Citizens of Warren County they will have a voice in prosecution. Also, the County Prosecutor has a responsibility to filter all charges brought forward to confirm they are legitimate and not frivolous in order to protect the innocent citizens of our county. I will dedicate the necessary time and energy to see justice done. I would make certain that all persons coming into the Court system will be treated with respect and dignity.

GREEN: The nature of the judicial process is public and open, so I encourage and welcome all citizens of Warren County to come and observe court proceedings; and as far as accountability I am a big proponent of holding myself accountable. Both of these things have contributed to my growth as an attorney and prosecutor.

McMILLIN: The duties of this office are performed in open court. I am available to speak to victims of crime and their families as my contact information is readily available.

GREEN: As a prosecutor,  I think the most important issues are

a.) prosecuting cases effectively and efficiently, thereby giving the citizens of Warren County their day in Court and

b.) being fair and just on both sides because as an attorney and as a member of the legal community, my ultimate goal is justice regardless of which side wins.

McMILLIN: All misdemeanor crimes are pressing issues in this county whether it be DUI, domestic violence, animal cruelty or crimes against property. If you are a victim of a misdemeanor crime in Warren County, I will prosecute the defendant for you to the fullest extent of the law and see that justice is served.

HERRING: One of the most pressing issues is domestic violence. Domestic abuse often is not taken seriously, and I would ensure that each case is given the proper attention and time that it deserves to protect vulnerable adults and children of the community.

GREEN: As we all know, Warren County has had some challenges regarding crime in our community. I will work diligently with the DA’s office and law enforcement to seek punishment that fits the crime for people who violate the law here in Warren County; hopefully, this will be a deterrent to future criminal activity making it safer for all citizens in our community.

McMILLIN: I am an experienced attorney and prosecutor, having served in these roles for more than 13 years in Vicksburg and Warren County. I will continue to zealously advocate for Warren County citizens and all victims of misdemeanor crimes.

HERRING: I was born and raised here in Warren County, and Vicksburg has my whole heart. As a full-time mom, wife, partner of a law firm, soccer mom, baseball mom and volunteer of several charity organizations, I wear a lot of different hats throughout the day which has allowed me to identify and empathize with Citizens of Warren County in all capacities and has taught me important time management skills. I will bring efficiency, dedication, and compassion to the office. Recently, I was invited to a Mississippi Bar-approved program to give a presentation, to other attorneys and Judges, on the topic of domestic violence and protection orders, which go hand in hand with the responsibilities of the County Prosecutor and prosecuting domestic violence. I will bring this knowledge and experience to improve the handling of domestic violence cases.

GREEN: Experience and qualifications: I’ve been practicing Criminal Law in Warren County for over 12 years, I clerked for Circuit Court Judge Isadore Patrick for two years, and I was also the City Prosecutor in Claiborne County. I have handled a wide range of criminal cases from capital murder to misdemeanor thefts. I have also handled cases on the state and federal levels and have had countless jury trials as well. I think my experience alone makes me the man for the job.

McMILLIN: I am an experienced, proven and effective attorney. I have years of experience in the courtroom and will use it for the benefit of the citizens and businesses of Warren County; helping to ensure this county is a safer place to live, work, go to school and raise a family. I am proud of my hometown and want it to be the best place possible for my children and all children in this county.

HERRING: I have experience in the county, state, youth, and federal court systems. I am very determined and driven individual that wants to bring those qualities and experience to this office. As a woman who has worked a full-time position, all the while, raising two small children and attending law school and graduating top of my class, I know that I can bring a special insight and commitment to the office. I want to apply this same dedication to the position of County Prosecutor, and I want to work to make Warren County a place that my children can be proud of.

GREEN: I graduated from Alcorn State University with a B.A. In Political Science in 2004 and graduated from Southern University Law in 2007 with a Juris Doctor in Law. My wife is April Green and I have two children, Jazmin and Christopher.

McMILLIN: I was born and raised in Vicksburg. My parents are Carol McMillin and the late Dr. Lamar McMillin. I am married to Jennifer Lynne Johnston McMillin, CFO of Mutual Credit Union. We have three young children who attend Vicksburg Catholic School. We are members of Crawford Street United Methodist Church and are active in many civic organizations.

HERRING: I was born and raised in Vicksburg, married to Jeremy Herring for fifteen years and we have two children. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi in 2006 in paralegal studies and began law school at Mississippi College in 2015 with my children being three years old and four months. I received my Doctor of Jurisprudence with Summa Cum Laude honors in 2018 and have practiced in the State and Federal Court systems. I am a member of the Church of Christ, Kiwanis (currently President), Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary, previously the Warren County Bar Association Secretary/Treasurer (2019-2021), member of the Mississippi Association for Justice, Young Lawyers Division, and the Mississippi Bar Association.