The New York Times
Story printed in The New York Times April 10, 2025.
Order a copy or read online here
My NYT investigation was
co-published by
I was selected to work as an investigative journalist on staff at The New York Times through the Local Investigations Fellowship.
My 2024–2025 class was the second cohort of this prestigious program, founded by Pulitzer Prize–winning editor Dean Baquet to support deep, local accountability reporting.
In April 2025, The New York Times published my year-long investigation into the rapid expansion of electronic monitoring in St. Louis.
Over the course of the year, I reported from courtrooms, followed defendants for months, and collaborated with Stanford’s data team to analyze thousands of court records. My reporting uncovered a significant and largely unregulated increase in the use of GPS ankle monitors in the city—nearly 70% of individuals on monitors were placed there pretrial. This surge, and its lack of public scrutiny, had not been previously reported.
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The story also explained the nuance of how ankle monitors, often marketed as an alternative to jail, had instead created a parallel system of control—placing restrictions on movement, employment, and daily life. With limited judicial oversight and opaque vendor relationships, people were subjected to intense supervision while still awaiting trial, often with little legal recourse.
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The investigation was co-published by St. Louis Magazine, Missouri Independent, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis Public Radio, KSDK, and Texas Metro News. You can read the full piece here.
Juvenile Justice
In 2023, I was honored to be one of five journalists selected for a national criminal justice fellowship from PEW Charitable Trusts and the National Association of Black Journalists to lead a year-long investigation into St. Louis' juvenile justice system.​
I attended regular data and editorial meetings, leading a team that investigated escapes from a juvenile justice center, their impact on Black and marginalized communities, and systemic failures in police tracking systems for youth. In addition to the investigation, I published four related stories on these issues, focusing on St. Louis youth.
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The fellowship also provided the opportunity to participate in the National Coalition of Juvenile Justice and a comprehensive, week-long training session in Washington, D.C.
My final report was supported by a third sponsor, the River City Journalism Fund. The investigation was published by St. Louis Public Radio and The Riverfront Times.
Ferguson/ Protests
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Government Accountability
Black & Marginalized Communities
St. Louis school shooting survivors push for change during vigil
Jails
St. Louis Jail
St. Louis Jail's civilian oversight board
Lawsuits/ Courts
Innocence Cases; Lamar Johnson
Excerpt
While many of my stories delve into the challenges our community faces, I've also had the privilege of capturing the creativity and ingenuity that define St. Louis. From local youth turning obstacles into opportunities, to grassroots initiatives that are reshaping neighborhoods, my work also highlights the everyday acts of courage that inspire hope.
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​Beyond reporting, I’ve mentored youth and young journalists, led workshops and seminars, and help provided and distribute scholarships for those pursuing careers in media. I’ve served as president of an advocacy organization for Black journalists, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive. I’ve also consulted with individuals, nonprofits, and political and social organizations, offering media services ranging from writing and editing to curriculum development.
For the past five years, St. Louis has been more than just a city where I report the news—it’s been a place where I’ve grown, learned, and contributed in ways that extend beyond the stories I write. I’ve reported on moments of injustice—from wrongful convictions to the fight for police accountability and struggles within the juvenile justice system. But it’s not all about uncovering the hard truths. I’ve also had the privilege of highlighting the resilience, innovation, and community-driven change that happens every day in this metro area.
I’ve covered residents working to improve housing, push for better schools, and demand that local leaders listen—not just in times of crisis, but every day.
My reporting has also focused on Ferguson’s local government, political tensions, and the regional push for progressive reforms in the wake of the 2014 uprising. I’m dedicated to capturing not only the challenges of Ferguson’s past but also the potential of its future. I also covered how issues within policing and departments impact their ability to serve our communities effectively. In covering local government system serving communities, and the plights of Black and marginalized communities, I also examine how these local institutions and civic leaders are crafting innovative solutions that are reshaping the landscape of accountability and community empowerment.
St. Louis gave me the chance to uncover difficult truths and celebrate those working toward change. There are still stories to tell, communities to uplift, and change to document. What I carry forward is the knowledge that this city is a place of transformation, and its people refuse to be defined by their struggles alone.