Harris County - District Attorney's Office > About Us

Chandler Raine

First Assistant

Chandler Raine has served as a prosecutor with the District Attorney’s Office his entire career. A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Raine has extensive trial and leadership experience in the HCDAO and has been instrumental in prosecuting numerous high-profile cases while demonstrating a passion for public service, mentorship, and ethical prosecution. Raine has served in many different roles in the Office, including as the Deputy Division Chief of the Misdemeanor Division, a member of the Vehicular Crimes Division and Call-Out Team, the Chief Prosecutor in the 209th Criminal District Court, and he currently serves as a member of the Homicide Division, handling a docket of capital murder cases. Over the last decade, Raine has lent his experience to prosecutors within the office, as well as organizations outside of the office, which is demonstrated by his teaching experience through the State Bar of Texas, the Houston Police Department’s Police Academy, internal training with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas District and County Attorneys Association.

Lauren Byrne

Chief of Staff

Lauren Byrne is a seasoned trial attorney with over 18 years of distinguished experience, 14 of which were spent as a prosecutor, trying violent crimes and serving in various leadership roles. Lauren served as an Assistant District Attorney in Harris County from 2007 through 2020, Lauren . She then served as an Assistant District Attorney in Fort Bend before entering private practice, where she practiced criminal defense and victim advocacy. As a prosecutor, she was assigned to numerous specialty divisions, including the Juvenile Division, Child Abuse Division, and Civil Rights Division. Over half of her career in Harris County was spent as a chief prosecutor in various felony district courts and the Domestic Violence Division, where she prosecuted Capital Murders, homicides of young children, and Intimate Partner Homicides.

Lauren handled the first intimate partner violence case for the Domestic Violence High Risk Caseload when the program was initiated in Harris County. She was responsible for training and supervising a large number of younger prosecutors and was frequently a faculty advisor for the state-wide Prosecutor Trial Skills Course. Lauren also served as a volunteer prosecutor for the Veteran’s Court. Lauren has a passion for training and has been a guest speaker and trainer for various agencies and organizations, including the Texas District and County Attorney’s Association, the Depelchin Center, other DA Offices in Texas, the Houston Police Department Academy and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Academy. In 2023, while in private practice, Lauren was named the Percy Foreman Lawyer of the Year, a state-wide award recognizing her outstanding advocacy and legal representation in a death penalty trial in Lubbock County.

John Jordan

Executive Bureau Chief Operations Bureau

As Executive Bureau Chief, John Jordan oversees the overall operations of the office, focusing on optimizing efficiency, innovation, and effectiveness. Most recently, John served as Felony Trial Bureau Chief, supervising more than 100 prosecutors assigned to 29 Felony District Courts, as well as the Homicide Division. John also served as Division Chief of the Juvenile Division, where he helped reform Juvenile Justice in Harris County. From 2018 to 2022, John expanded the number Diversion programs in the HCDAO from one to six. During his more than 25-year career with the HCDAO, John has also led Police Intake, Grand Jury, and Misdemeanor divisions, as well as the Child Exploitation Section.

The Operations Bureau is dedicated to reinforcing the core principles and strengths that have made this office exceptional, while embracing the changes we need to evolve and improve. Our mission is to build the most dynamic and talented District Attorney’s office in the country. We do this by fostering a culture of innovation and transparency. We know our office must remain adaptable and forward-thinking.

The Operations Bureau supports daily functions of the HCDAO while its leaders think outside the box, providing guidance to both executive staff and employees. We are focused on driving new initiatives, advancing our commitment to safety, justice, and excellence. We promise to look critically at criminal justice data, which helps to improve decision-making, ultimately increases accountability, and ensures a safer future for all.

Aimee Bolletino

Post-Conviction Bureau

Aimee Bolletino is an expert in appellate and post-conviction litigation with vast and varied trial, appellate, and post-conviction writs experience. Aimee began her legal career at the HCDAO in 2007, where she served in the Trial Bureau as well as Appellate, Post-Conviction Writs, and Organized Crimes Divisions. Her appellate work often led to published legal opinions. In 2016, she went into private practice, where she appeared in trial and appellate cases both in Federal Court and across the State of Texas. She was also frequently appointed as an appellate expert in death penalty litigation. Aimee spent close to seven years fiercely advocating for a client who was ultimately exonerated and declared actually innocent by the Court of Criminal Appeals.

The Post-Conviction Bureau of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office is comprised of specialized units responsible for handling legal matters before and after a conviction has occurred. These specialized divisions play critical roles in upholding justice, ensuring procedural fairness, and defending the state’s interest in criminal cases.

The Appellate Division handles direct appeals, pretrial writs of habeas corpus, and petitions for writs of mandamus and prohibition. It works on behalf of the State handling State’s appeals about the legality of the trial court’s orders, and it responds to defense appeals filed by those convicted or placed on community supervision in the Harris County criminal courts. The Appellate Division also assists the Administration in reviewing and applying legislative changes as they arise.

The Post-Conviction Writs Division is responsible for reviewing and responding to post-conviction writs filed in the Harris County criminal courts. These writs include challenges to death sentences, final felony convictions, and cases were the disposition was community supervision. Specific claims litigated include actual innocence, ineffective assistance of counsel, and due process violations.

The Felony Trial Support Division assists other divisions in the Harris District Attorney's Office as needed. This assistance can range from providing guidance to trial attorneys on legal issues that could arise during trials to providing support for general legal training programs within the office.

John Brewer

Special Crimes Bureau

A veteran prosecutor with over 30 years of experience, John Brewer leads a team of specialized prosecutors who work with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes. Brewer has previously held numerous leadership roles throughout the office, including Division Chief of Financial Crimes, Grand Jury, and Juvenile Divisions. He also created the first Identity Theft Section and is a recognized expert on fraud, money laundering, and prosecuting cases using the “engaging in organized crime” statute.

The Special Crimes Bureau is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting complex criminal cases that require advanced legal expertise and specialized training. The Bureau handles a wide range of offenses, including murders and capital murders, organized crime, financial crimes, major narcotics trafficking, vehicular crimes, environmental violations, and elder exploitation. The Bureau also prosecutes major offenders and cold cases while providing critical assistance to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Through its targeted efforts, the Bureau plays a vital role in addressing high-impact criminal activity and ensuring justice for victims across the community.

Marc Carter

Senior Counsel

Judge Marc Carter (Ret.) works on policy and legislative matters in addition to serving as a liaison between the HCDAO and the community to promote public safety and the fair administration of justice. Judge Carter brings extensive experience to his new role as Senior Counsel for the HCDAO. He served as the presiding judge of the 228th Criminal District Court from 2003 to 2019, resolving thousands of cases and establishing the first Veterans’ Treatment Court in Texas, which gained national recognition. Prior to his judicial career, Judge Carter honorably served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Captain. He was also a trial lawyer with the HCDAO and a criminal defense attorney. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including the William Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence and the Ima Hogg Award for his work on mental health. He will provide mentorship in courtroom etiquette, professionalism, and ethics.

Cheryl Chapell

Mental Health and Diversions Bureau

Cheryl Chappell has dedicated her career to seeking justice and improving the criminal justice system. After graduating near the top of her class from what is now Texas A&M School of Law, Cheryl became a misdemeanor prosecutor in the HCDAO. During her seven-year tenure, she handled hundreds of cases and became Chief Prosecutor in a Felony District Court, eventually managing both Adult Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking. Cheryl has tried dozens of cases to juries, including serious felonies such as capital murder, aggravated robbery, sexual assault, and other violent crimes. Cheryl then transitioned to a criminal defense practice, where she was a partner in the firm of Newman & Chapell, PLLC.

Decades of research and experience have shown that diversion programs save lives. Created in 2025, the Mental Health and Diversions Bureau is a specialized unit that identifies offenders with mental health, substance use, or other related disorders and – when appropriate – provides treatment and services to divert them away from prosecution or incarceration, all while making our community safer and saving taxpayer dollars. The Bureau enhances public safety by addressing the underlying issues driving crime while still holding those who can benefit from rehabilitation accountable.

Catherine Evans

Felony Trial Bureau

Catherine Evans oversees more than 100 felony prosecutors and a significant portion of the county’s prosecutions in 29 felony courts. Board-Certified in Criminal Law and with over 20 years of trial experience, Catherine is respected by both sides of the bar and the judiciary. Catherine previously presided as Judge of the 180th Criminal District Court, served as a Felony Chief prosecutor, led the Vehicular Crimes Division, chaired the Fair Defense Act Committee and served as an independent investigator for the Texas State Legislature. She has been a frequent speaker at local, state and national legal seminars, brings valuable criminal defense experience, and serves on the Governor’s Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force.

The Felony Trial Bureau prosecutes all of the felonies in Harris County that are not handled by other specialized bureaus. Trial Bureau is staffed by experienced prosecutors, investigators, and support staff who pursue justice in cases ranging from home burglary to murder. The Felony Trial Bureau works closely with survivors of crime throughout the criminal justice process – from investigation to trial and appeals - to ensure justice is pursued at every step.

Mary McFaden

Domestic Violence Bureau

Mary McFaden is an expert in the area of domestic violence who oversees the HCDAO’s new Domestic Violence Bureau, which handles intimate partner violence and homicide cases filed throughout the county. Mary has been with the office as a prosecutor since 2002 where she spent many years as a trial prosecutor and Felony Court Chief within the Trial Bureau. She created and ran the Elder Abuse Section during her time in the Special Crimes Bureau before being promoted to Division Chief of the Domestic Violence Division. In her current capacity, Mary manages the prosecution of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder physical abuse and animal cruelty cases as well as oversees the protective order and domestic violence services sections.

The newly expanded Domestic Violence Bureau is comprised of a specialized, multidisciplinary team working together to increase the safety of survivors and while holding their abusers accountable. The bureau handles everything from misdemeanors to capital murders. We are staffed with trauma-informed prosecutors, social workers, and support personnel. Our team is specially trained to identify high-risk cases early and connect survivors with essential services for their safety and recovery. The Bureau also handles cases involving domestic abuse against our elder population and animal abuse.

Domestic violence is a profound public safety and public health crisis, impacting millions of people every year. Domestic violence is an assaultive or threatening act by a family or household member. Intimate partner violence includes violence involving a current or past dating partner or spouse and spans age, gender, and economic status.

Denise Nichols

Intake Bureau

Revamped in January of 2025, the Intake Bureau has experienced prosecutors and support staff on duty 24/7 to accept criminal charges. Intake prosecutors assist law enforcement officers in issuing search warrants, making arrests, and filing charges. The Bureau also oversees the Grand Jury Division, which is responsible for assisting officers with subpoenas and prepping cases to present to a Harris County Grand Jury. By rebuilding our Intake Bureau, we aim to reduce the criminal case backlog while ensuring cases are supported by sufficient evidence.

Joshua Reiss

General Counsel General Litigation Bureau

An experienced prosecutor with expertise in appellate law, Josh Reiss serves as General Counsel, overseeing the office’s legal strategy, ensuring sound and effective litigation practices. Josh is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and most recently served as Division Chief of the HCDAO Post-Conviction Writs Division. Josh has argued before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and his work has led to numerous published opinions. He has also written on topics related to post-conviction writs and capital punishment in the Houston Law Review and the Texas District and County Attorneys Association Journal and lectured on these topics at the Center on American and International Law and University of Texas School of Law. Josh’s advocacy has resulted in the Court of Criminal Appeals issuing the only arrest warrant in its history, and the exoneration of four individuals based on findings of actual innocence.

The Office of General Counsel provides legal advice and guidance to the District Attorney, executive staff, and employees on matters related to government law, compliance, and agency policies and procedures. In addition to representing the agency in litigation, the office oversees fugitive apprehension, asset forfeiture, and the policies governing the destruction of unneeded evidence.

Tiana Sanford

Professional Development Bureau

Tiana Sanford heads the Professional Development Bureau overseeing both the Misdemeanor and Juvenile Divisions as well as Training and Recruitment efforts for the office. A career prosecutor, Tiana started in Montgomery County, where she gained broad experience prosecuting all levels of criminal offenses. She was promoted to Division Chief and led the Intake, Misdemeanor and Special Crimes Divisions before joining Harris County. In these roles she directed and supervised the work of multiple teams including attorneys, investigators and support staff. Tiana is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and leads an effort to help prosecutors develop effective advocacy skills, docket management, and proper case evaluation, all while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Created in January 2025, the Harris County District Attorney’s Professional Development Bureau is dedicated to ensuring continuous growth and expertise among prosecutors, attorneys, and support staff. The Bureau provides ongoing training and education focused on enhancing legal skills, ethical standards, and knowledge of current legal practices. With specialized programs in areas such as criminal law, trial tactics, and emerging legal developments, the Bureau is committed to maintaining a high standard of prosecution and fostering a culture of excellence within the office. Additionally, the Bureau plays a key role in recruiting and training new talent to serve the agency.

Sarah Seely

Homicide Bureau

Sarah Seely leads the newly created Homicide Bureau, which oversees the prosecution of capital murders, murders of law enforcement officers, and other high-profile homicide cases. Sarah has dedicated most of her career to prosecuting homicide cases, from intimate partner homicides to gang murders. Sarah's intense focus on prosecuting violent offenders led to helping create the Homicide Division at the HCDAO. Sarah previously served as Deputy Division Chief of the Juvenile Division, where she oversaw the prosecution of child sex abuse cases and homicides.

Our newly created Homicide Bureau oversees the investigation and prosecution of the vast majority of homicides in Harris County. Staffed with experienced investigators, prosecutors, and support advocates, the Bureau manages some of the most complex and high-profile murder cases in Texas. We understand as a surviving friend or family member, navigating the criminal justice system can be scary and new. Our approach to helping is rooted in compassion with a dedication to public safety. We gather evidence, conduct interviews and use various investigative methods to hold perpetrators accountable, with the idea of bringing justice not only to the case, but to you, the survivor.

Angela Weltin

Special Victims' Bureau

Angela Weltin leads the Special Victims Bureau, overseeing the Child Abuse, Sex Crimes, Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Divisions. Angela began her career as a prosecutor at the HCDAO, serving as a Felony Court Chief in the Trial and Special Crimes Bureaus and the Public Integrity Division. In 2017, she opened her own private criminal law practice involving a heavy trial docket that concentrated on Capital Murders, Injury to Children, Sexual Assaults, and other violent felony offenses. With over 24 years of experience, Angela has tried nearly 100 cases and is well-suited to lead prosecutors who are tasked with trying some of the most difficult and heart-wrenching cases that exist within the Office.

The Special Victims Bureau vigorously investigates and prosecutes serious crimes related to vulnerable populations, including crimes against children, human trafficking, and adult sex crimes. The Bureau is supported by attorneys and support staff who put survivors at the center of everything they do, working closely with victim services as they seek justice in every case.

Edison Toquica

Chief Investigator Investigators Bureau

Chief Edison Toquica began his law enforcement career in 1989. He became a certified Peace Officer in 1990, after graduating from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Academy, Class B390. During his more than three decades of dedicated service, he worked for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), as well as an investigator for the HCDAO. During his tenure at HCSO, Edison worked in nearly every bureau, including the Detention, Patrol, Patrol Support Services, Criminal Investigations, Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security. In 2014, he was promoted to the rank of Major where he commanded the Special Operations Bureau and the Criminal Investigations Bureau. In 2016, Edison was appointed Chief Deputy, the highest-ranking deputy, leading the overall operations of the largest sheriff’s office in Texas, and the third largest in the nation.

The Investigations Bureau is staffed by accomplished and knowledgeable commissioned peace officers and crime experts who support prosecutors by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, testifying in court, and building cases. The Bureau plays a critical role in ensuring that cases are thoroughly investigated before charges are filed and brought to a successful conclusion. As part of their work, investigators in this Bureau partner closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure the effective and fair administration of justice.

Courtney Fischer

Chief of Communications

Emmy-award winning journalist Courtney Fischer spent much of her 17 years in television news covering crime and justice, before transitioning to the HCDAO as the Chief of Communications. Most recently the morning reporter at KTRK for nearly a decade, she’s also the creator of Unsolved, a documentary series profiling cold cases, and contributor to Texas True Crime, which explores Texas’ most infamous cases and trials. Both series are featured on ABC News and streaming on Hulu. She has been a contributor to ABC News’ 20/20, Good Morning America, and Inside Edition. Prior to Houston, she reported in Pittsburgh, PA, Lexington, KY, and Evansville, IN.

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