Locals earn state DA awards

Protecting those in need has always been a priority for Jon Harris.

After several years in the Army and three decades as a peace officer in Texas, one might say he'd dedicated his entire life to the cause.

But at 60 years old, Harris wasn't done serving. He decided to chase his next dream and become an attorney. 

After finishing up his master's degree in criminal justice at Texas Tech School of Law, Harris joined the Ninth Judicial District Attorney's Office. 

District Attorney Quentin Ray said Harris has been a prosecutor for a little over two years with a focus on driving-while-intoxicated cases. He's taken more than 20 cases to a jury.

Harris has also been published twice in law magazines.

Harris said he's had a passion for criminal cases since law school and didn't want to follow any other path. 

Now at 67, Harris has been rewarded for his latest efforts. He received the Junior Prosecutor of the Year Award from the New Mexico District Attorney Association on June 7. 

Harris said he was shocked to hear the news. 

"I didn't know what was really more important, winning the award statewide or having the people I work with everyday feel good enough about me to nominate me," Harris said.  

He wasn't the only big winner from the Clovis/Portales DA's office.

Misty Tillman won the organization's Support Staff of the Year award. 

It's the first time the Ninth District has taken two state awards in the same year, Ray said.

Tillman has worked at the office for 17 years. She said God led her to her current career and since then the job along with the people have grown on her. 

"It was my absolute pleasure to receive the ... award. It's nothing special that I do. I just do the job that I love and when you work for the right person it makes it that much better. It has been nothing more than a pleasure to be a part of this office," Tillman wrote in an email to The News.

Ray said Tillman plays a vital role in the office and her work shows it.  

"Misty's commitment and loyalty to the office is unparalleled. She consistently ensures that the cases we take to court are over prepared and ready for trial," Ray said.

"It is because of her passion to ensure justice is brought to victims of crime that we have been successful in convicting numerous high-level offenders. The communities of Curry and Roosevelt County are a safer place because of Misty's commitment to our district."