Jackson County Prosecutor-Elect Melesa Johnson Reveals Executive Team

In this post we want to share deets on an important change underway in local politics and law enforcement . . .

Our main takeaway from this latest note is that the new administration is looking to shake up the status quo at the prosecutor's office as she promised during her campaign.

Also . . . We notice that election winner is already starting to take some criticism. However, longtime local voters understand this office has ALWAYS engendered strong reactions. 

Accordingly . . .  

Here's the note sent to local media and www.TonysKansasCity.com . . .

Prosecutor-Elect Melesa Johnson to be Sworn in as First African-American Jackson County Prosecutor

Prosecutor-elect Melesa Johnson will be sworn in as Jackson County Prosecutor on Friday, January 3, marking a historic milestone as the first African American to hold the position.

Prosecutor-elect Johnson’s career spans significant roles in prosecution, litigation, and public safety leadership. She previously served as an Assistant Prosecutor in the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, clerked for U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., practiced at two nationally recognized local litigation law firms, and most recently served as Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas’s Director of Public Safety, which allowed her to lead strategic planning and policy development focused on violence prevention and intervention initiatives. Most notably, Prosecutor-elect Johnson led Partners for Peace, a citywide violence intervention strategy, while working collaboratively with the Kansas City Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office to create SAVE KC, Kansas City’s focused deterrence program.  

“As someone born and raised in this area, where I continue to make my home today, I am proud to step into the role of Jackson County Prosecutor and I look forward to continuing to serve the community that shaped me,” said Prosecutor-elect Johnson. “My decade of legal experience in prosecution, trial practice, and public safety has shown me that justice is built on strong relationships and collaboration between the Prosecutor’s Office, law enforcement, and the community we serve. I am committed to strengthening those bonds, while ensuring justice is served equitably for all.”

Prosecutor-elect Johnson assembled an experienced executive team to support her vision for the office:

- Dion Sankar, Chief Deputy Prosecutor: Dion Sankar is an assistant prosecuting attorney and program manager for the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office’s Drug Court Program and supervises the office’s diversion programs. Prior to joining the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, Sankar worked in the litigation division of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office where he defended civil claims filed against state and governmental entities and the Kansas City Police Department. He also worked as an associate at the McCallister Law Firm, P.C. where he represented individuals in civil claims, including police misconduct.
    
- Gina Robinson, Director of Operations: Gina Robinson is a skilled manager with experience that spans multiple areas of municipal government and progressive levels of responsibility. As Chief of Operations, Robinson oversees budget, regulatory and personnel policies and procedures in addition to state and federal grants management. She is a key advisor on fiscal and regulatory matters.  
    
- Theresa Crayon, Director of Programs: Theresa Crayon recently served as Chief Trial Assistant, overseeing the office’s General Crimes Unit and Warrant Desk. Crayon has been a prosecutor in the office since 1991 and has received numerous awards for her work, including the Louis Lombardo Prosecutor of the Year Award and the Patrick B. Hall Award for Trial Attorney of the Year. Crayon also worked as a senior attorney in the Major Crimes Unit and as a Trial Team Leader in the Domestic Violence Unit.
    
- Jazzlyn Johnson, Director of Communications: Jazzlyn Johnson previously served as Press Secretary for Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas where she managed communications and media relations. Prior to entering public service, Johnson honed her storytelling and news judgment as a print reporter for a Black-owned newspaper, The Community Voice. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Montana.

INAUGURATION DAY DETAILS

WHEN: Friday, January 3 at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Historic Brady Courtroom, Truman Courthouse, 112 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO (Street parking, use north entrance door for entry on 112 W. Maple St.)
NOTES: Seating for the public is limited. Livestream is available - https://vimeo.com/event/4804564/43ad680d54

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Developing . . .