Photo submitted to the Times Observer Casey Strickland, who is currently serving as the Second Assistant District Attorney has announced her candidacy for Warren County District Attorney.

Casey Strickland has officially announced her candidacy for Warren County District Attorney, vowing to prioritize victim support and hold offenders accountable.

Currently serving as the second assistant district attorney in Warren County, Strickland said she brings experience in prosecuting cases involving some of the most vulnerable members of the community, including children, the elderly, domestic abuse survivors, and animals.

Although born and raised in Tampa, Fla., Strickland said she has deep ties to Warren County.

“My grandparents moved to Warren in the 1950s, and my mother was born and raised here,” she shared. “Growing up, my brothers and I spent every summer in Warren, so it has felt like home to me for as long as I can remember.”

Strickland earned her undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida before completing her law degree at the University of Mississippi School of Law. She began her legal career in Warren County in 2019 as a judicial law clerk for the Court of Common Pleas for Warren and Forest counties. In 2021, she joined the Warren County District Attorney’s Office as the second assistant district attorney.

“Having the opportunity to support and provide a voice for these victims at a time when they feel voiceless has had a profound effect on me as a prosecutor and as a person,” Strickland said.

If elected, Strickland said she aims to expand access to community resources for victims. She pointed to the Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center as an example of a program that has played a vital role in prosecuting cases involving child sexual abuse.

“Since I’ve held this position, we’ve doubled the number of children coming forward reporting abuse through this resource,” Strickland said. “When meeting a victim for the first time, I let them know that I will be by their side for as long as they need me. Many victims feel isolated and afraid, and it is extremely moving to see the positive changes that come from successfully prosecuting their offenders.”

Strickland also praised the dedication of local law enforcement agencies, crediting them with taking cases seriously and going above and beyond to seek justice for victims.

Her platform includes advocating for strict penalties for violent criminals, particularly those who target vulnerable individuals.

“I want people to know that if they commit crimes of violence in Warren County, they will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Strickland said.

Strickland said she supports diversionary programs for nonviolent offenders and juveniles, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment.

“By focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, individuals can gain the tools they need to change their lives for the better,” she stated.