Melissa’s family came from Jamaica to the US when she was 11 years old.  They settled in a small farming town in Iowa where they were the only black family.  The family experienced some racism, but there was far more kindness.  And over time, Melissa thrived in her new community.  By the time she graduated from high school, she had been elected class president, selected to speak at her high school commencement ceremony, and won a scholarship from the American Legion for a speech she delivered on the separation of church and state. 

Those experiences impressed upon Melissa the importance of diversity both in surroundings and experience --  of speaking up when something was unfair and standing in solidarity with those who are being mistreated and may be afraid or unable to speak up for themselves. 

As a Judge, I will ensure that, regardless of background, those who come into the courtroom will receive

fairness under the law, an opportunity to be fully heard and a decision made with integrity. I want to be a

judge because I want to contribute to ensuring that the judicial system has more just outcomes. Justice is

in the decision.

I have been rated “Well Qualified” by the Los Angeles County Bar Association, endorsed by the Los

Angeles Times, the LA County Democratic Party, the LA County Labor Federation and by dozens of

organizations and Superior Court Judges.

Since 2006, I have been a Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County. I have completed more than

85 trials. For the last five years, I was assigned to the Sex Crimes Division, including Stuart House,

where I exclusively prosecuted sexual crimes against children. I was recently promoted to Deputy in

Charge of the Compton Juvenile Division.

In recognition of my volunteer work and community service, the District Attorney’s office in 2021

awarded me the Michael P. Noyes Humanitarian Award.

As a woman of color and an immigrant, I’ll bring a unique and diverse perspective to the bench.