Several new faces have joined the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys this year. Among them are David LaBahn, Steven Naugle, and Dustin G. Dunklee. Listed below are a few highlights of each. Read on to learn more about these new faces and what sets them apart from the rest. And don’t forget to check out their bios! Listed below are a few of the most important requirements for applying.
Dan Knight
The Boone County Prosecutor’s Office is a large department in central Missouri that focuses on criminal cases. It has prosecuted thousands of cases and has handled many serious jury trials, including eighteen murder cases. With 37 employees, including 14 assistant prosecutors, Dan Knight runs a large office. Before becoming the Boone County Prosecutor, Dan Knight was an assistant prosecutor for a few years. He earned his law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and was a varsity tennis player.
Knight is the 45th president of MAPA, which was founded in 1969. He succeeds Matt Selby, Stone County Prosecuting Attorney. Other MAPA officers include Shayne Healea, Moniteau County Prosecuting Attorney, Bollinger County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen Gray, and Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell. The organization is devoted to promoting best practices in law enforcement investigation and prosecution.
David LaBahn
The association of prosecuting attorneys, or CDAA, represents elected, appointed, and assistant prosecutors from all over the country. The association serves as a global forum for ideas, conducts training to improve the prosecutorial function, and advocates for emerging issues and problem-solving strategies. It also promotes the highest ethical standards for attorneys. For more information about David LaBahn and CDAA, please visit their website.
A commons is an ideal situation where prosecutors and communities can share information and evaluate the prosecutors’ decisions. It is a win-win-win situation for everyone. In this case, data can serve as a communication tool for prosecutors, communities, and the public. Ultimately, a commons is an excellent model for the criminal justice system. So, if you are an attorney in Missouri, get involved!
Steven Naugle
The Chief Financial Officer of the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (APA) is Steven Naugle. Naugle will oversee all internal administration of the APA and make sure all funds are accounted for and that federal grant compliance is maintained. He will also oversee the development of partnerships to increase the effectiveness of prosecutorial functions. If you are interested in the role of a chief financial officer in the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, contact Steven Naugle.
Dustin G. Dunklee
Dustin G. Dunklee is a Missouri attorney who is the prosecuting attorney for Morgan County, Missouri. Before his appointment, he practiced law with Andereck Evans Milne Peace Widger, LLC in Jefferson City, Missouri. In 2006, he returned to the firm to practice defense law and was promoted to the rank of Major. He is a member of the Missouri Bar Association and the 26th Judicial Circuit Bench and Bar Association. You can find out more about Dunklee on Facebook.
A member of the Missouri Association of prosecuting attorneys, Dunklee has extensive trial experience. He was appointed by Missouri Attorney General Chris Kobach in November of 2005. His practice area includes criminal defense and white-collar crime. He has represented individuals and corporations in a variety of cases, including DUIs, robbery, fraud, and felony cases. In addition to defense work, Dunklee has lectured at various universities and law schools.
Judge Kanatzar
In addition to his work as a prosecutor, Judge Kanatzar is also involved in his community. He has been a member of the Boys and Girls Club Steering Committee and the Second Chance Program Board, and he volunteers with the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Hospitality House. He also coaches youth football for CYO. He received 66.7% of the vote from his colleagues in the Missouri Association of prosecuting attorneys.
Initially, Kanatzar worked for the U.S. Customs Service, where he was selected to be a part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s task force. Afterward, he was transferred to a child exploitation case. While working with these cases, he excelled as a case agent and a computer forensics examiner. Kanatzar continued developing cases even after joining the Department of Homeland Security.
