District Attorney Vern Pierson
El Dorado County, California
Vern Pierson has dedicated over three decades to the pursuit of justice, serving as a prosecutor, innovator, and advocate for public safety. Since 2007, he has held the position of District Attorney for El Dorado County, where he has gained national recognition for his leadership in modernizing investigative practices and ensuring conviction integrity. His distinguished career reflects a commitment to justice, accountability, and public service, rooted in both his professional and personal values. He served as President of the California District Attorneys Association (CDAA) from 2020 to 2021. His leadership in exposing and addressing California’s $32 billion unemployment insurance fraud scandal further underscores his dedication to accountability and fiscal responsibility. He was a principal co-author of Proposition 36, which overturned Governor Newsom’s Prop-47 and reformed California’s sentencing laws.
As District Attorney, Vern has personally prosecuted high-profile cases, including the murder of CHP Officer Scott Russell and the abduction of eleven-year-old Jaycee Lee Dugard by Phillip and Nancy Garrido. He has also sought to aggressively investigate and prosecute fraud and corruption cases throughout his career, never fearing to hold those in power accountable. Vern has personally tried over 100 jury trials, ranging from domestic violence to complex murder trials, while spearheading innovations that have shaped prosecutorial practices statewide. Notably, he led the reinvestigation of the Jane Hylton murder, resulting in the exoneration of Ricky Davis through the groundbreaking application of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) and the conviction of the actual perpetrator. In a similar vein, Vern oversaw the reinvestigation of Matthew Muller, initially convicted for the 2015 kidnapping of Denise Huskins—a case once dismissed as a hoax by law enforcement. His leadership in revisiting this case reinforced his commitment to uncovering the truth and rectifying investigative missteps. In the aftermath of wrongful convictions like these, caused by false confessions or flawed processes, Vern has been a driving force in reforming law enforcement interview and interrogation practices and championed the adoption of science-based interview training (SBI). His efforts have extended into behavioral threat assessments, finding new ways to keep our children safe at school. Vern also oversaw one of the first five fentanyl murder convictions in California, relentlessly seeking to find justice for victims and to hold fentanyl dealers accountable for their part in California’s exploding overdose epidemic.
Vern’s legislative accomplishments reflect his passion for protecting the vulnerable and holding offenders accountable. Vern also drafted critical measures such as Evidence Code § 1109, enhancing protections for domestic violence survivors, and SB 2005, permanently banning convicted sex offenders from obtaining teaching credentials. These legislative initiatives exemplify his commitment to upholding public safety and the rule of law. Additionally, Vern has served as a statewide liaison for officer-involved shooting investigations under AB 1506, promoting transparency and public trust in the justice system.
A pioneer in technological innovation, Vern modernized the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, creating one of California’s first paperless case management systems. He also introduced the use of drone technology for virtual crime scene reconstruction, setting a new standard for investigative efficiency.
Before his legal career, Vern served with distinction in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne (Air Assault) and 1/18th Long Range Surveillance Detachment (Airborne). Rising to the rank of Sergeant, he earned multiple commendations, including the Leadership Award and Honor Graduate designation at the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy. His military experience instilled a strong work ethic and discipline, which have guided him throughout his career.
Vern’s academic credentials include a Juris Doctor degree from Western State University College of Law, where he graduated with honors and received the American Jurisprudence Award for excellence in Constitutional Law. He also holds a Master’s degree in Homeland Security from the Naval Postgraduate School, where his thesis explored the psychology of extremism, advocating for innovative approaches to counterterrorism.
Beyond his professional achievements, Vern is deeply committed to his community. Alongside his wife of over 30 years, Cyndee, he has co-founded and led initiatives such as the annual Snowball Shopping Event, benefiting more than 1,000 at-risk children. They are the proud parents of three children: a marriage and family therapist and two U.S. Army Green Berets. Vern has also participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March to raise funds for veterans, demonstrating his enduring commitment to those who serve.
Vern Pierson is a leader who embodies the values of justice, service, and integrity. He has a proven record of challenging the liberal policies of California politicians, including opposition to sanctuary laws, zero-bail policies, and harm reduction initiatives, all of which he views as threats to public safety. His unwavering dedication to these principles reflects his desire to continue advocating for policies that prioritize the rule of law, accountability, and the safety of American communities on a national level.