SAO5.ORG - Key Persons
, leads a team of nearly 240 employees, 115 of which are Assistant State Attorneys. As a former law enforcement officer, and career-prosecutor, Bill's primary mission is public safety. Bill and his team of professionals work every day with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure the members of the communities he serves are safe, and that crime victims get the justice they deserve.
As Executive Director, Bridget Kiefer supervises the administrative staff, and is responsible for the budget, facilities, and human resources areas of the office.
Bridget began her career at the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's office in February of 1988. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and interned at the office during her final semester, prior to joining the office as a Victim/Witness Counselor. Through the years, she has attended numerous seminars and done work in the fields of victimology and trauma. She has participated in training new prosecutors as they have taken on the role of advocating for victims in our courtrooms. In the 10 years prior to becoming Executive Director, Bridget served the office as Victim Services Director, supervising the Victim/Witness staff and directing Victim/Witness policy in the five-county jurisdiction.
Bridget has been active with a variety of community organizations, including having served on the board of the Friends of the Ocala Library for six years. She and her husband, Scott, who owns an insurance agency, live in Ocala. They are proud of their two Gator children who have likewise attended and graduated from the University of Florida.
Job Titles:
- Community Development Director
In her role as Community Development Director, Cindy Harper works with agencies, community partners, and citizens across the Fifth Judicial Circuit to ensure that the people we serve know who we are, and what we do. She disseminates information to the media and general public to ensure transparency and accountability for the office. She also represents the State Attorney at various community events to provide community groups relevant and accurate information concerning the work of the office.
Cindy began her legal career in 2012 as an Assistant State Attorney in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. As a prosecutor, Cindy has prosecuted everything from misdemeanors to murders. Prior to attending law school, Cindy had a career in public relations and community affairs, working for both non-profit and for-profit organizations.
Born and raised in Florida, Cindy graduated from the University of Florida where she earned bachelor's degrees in Public Relations and Political Science. She earned a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida. She then earned a law degree from University of Florida's Levin College of Law. Cindy lives in Ocala with her husband and two daughters.
The Victim Services Director, Racheal Franklin is responsible for making sure victims across the Fifth Judicial Circuit are afforded the rights provided to them by law and the Constitution, and that they are treated with dignity and respect throughout the process...
Job Titles:
- Chief of Homicide Prosecution
Rich Buxman is the Chief of Homicide Prosecution, assigned to oversee the prosecution of all homicide cases in the Fifth Judicial Circuit...
Russell Suess is the Chief Investigator, overseeing investigative efforts across the Fifth Judicial Circuit. He is a certified Firearms Instructor and administers the State Attorney's Office Firearms training and Law Enforcement training for all Fifth Circuit Investigators...
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Chief
- Chief Assistant State Attorney
Walter Forgie currently serves as the Chief Assistant State Attorney. In that position, Walter is responsible to oversee the operations of the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office...