Why are you running for office?
I am a career prosecutor dedicated to seeking truth and serving justice. My experience has given me expertise in criminal law and wisdom to make fair and just decisions. I am committed to upholding the ideals of honesty and transparency, and the laws of Indiana. I am running for two reasons. First, I know that in a leadership position, this expertise, ideology and integrity will impact more lives. Second, I want to serve and invest in my own community, where I live and raise a family. Ultimately, I am running to bring my leadership and integrity back to Hancock County.
What makes you a qualified candidate for the position?
I am a prosecutor — and always have been. I have prosecuted all types of crimes in three different counties, from rural areas of Hancock County to the inner city of Indianapolis. I learned from the most accomplished prosecutors in the state and mentored others to build strength into our justice system. I have served under four different elected prosecutors giving me insight into what practices and policies work — and which do not. I am a battle-tested trial attorney ready to lead a team of skilled prosecutors to maintain order and protect our community.
What are your top three goals for the position?
1. Implement a proven method of prosecuting sex offenders and seek stiffer prison sentences for them. This includes creating a Child Advocacy Center, educating sex crime detectives, training deputy prosecutors and utilizing experts in the field.
2. Tackle the opioid crisis by putting dealers behind bars, providing rehabilitation to non-violent addicts and educating our community.
3. Institute a new focus on the under-prosecuted internet crimes of identify theft, welfare fraud, child pornography and harassment/intimidation over social media. Utilize the wealth of untapped digital information to effectively prosecute these and other crimes in the digital age.
How would you structure your deputy prosecutor staff (e.g., assigned by court, assigned by case type, felony level, etc.)?
Elected officials should lead by example, and as such, I will personally handle the serious crimes and difficult cases. Additionally, in some instances, key cases will be delegated to deputies based on their expertise in areas such as sex crimes, operating while intoxicated or trial work. Outside of these exceptions, the most efficient method of case assignment to deputy prosecutors is by court assignment. Nevertheless, it is vital that those with expertise mentor and cross-train other deputies to create a well-balanced and proficient unit of prosecutors. I am committed to hiring and building an efficient and professional team that achieves consistent results.
Should a prosecutor have a proactive role, outside the courtroom, for deterring crime in Hancock County? If so, how?
Absolutely. Education is paramount, and it begins in the schools. Children must be taught about the dangers of prescription drugs and the legal ramifications of sexting and bullying. Teachers and students alike must learn to recognize signs of child abuse and neglect so instances don’t go unreported. We need a prosecutor’s voice at schools, hospitals and other forums to inform the public about the effects of opioids to prevent addiction before it starts. Finally, just as police presence deters crime, so too would a visible, available and hard-working prosecutor deter drug dealers and criminal enterprises from operating in Hancock County.
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Name: Grey Chandler
Age: 38
Party: Republican
Office sought: Hancock County Prosecutor
Occupation: deputy prosecutor, Madison County Prosecutor’s Office
Political experience: None
Family: Wife Anne, three children
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