Private, Attorney General (PAG)

Ruchi J. Prajapati

Ruchi J. Prajapati serves as the agencies Private Attorney General (P.A.G.) and highest Prosecuting and litigating authority for the National Center for Vulnerable Communities, where she wields specialized enforcement, investigative, civil and sometimes criminal prosecutions to protect disenfranchised populations and individuals. In this capacity, she acts as the prosecuting enforcement authority, initiating public interest and enforcement litigation proceedings to ensure statutory compliance and systemic justice where traditional government resources may fall short. Ruchi's office Serves Arizona, Texas, California, Nevada, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Arkansas. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to objective, evidence-based prosecutions, bridging the gap between private legal expertise and the urgent needs of marginalized communities.

U.S. Special Counsel | Lead Investigator | Director of Investigative Operations for NCVC, & DOJ

Michelle Harper

Michelle Harper serves as the Director of Investigative Operations, Special Counsel, and Lead Investigator for the National Center for Vulnerable Communities (NCVC), Office of Accountability. She leads the Special Counsel Task Force, overseeing complex investigations involving civil rights violations, institutional misconduct, public corruption, and the protection of vulnerable populations. Her extensive background includes undercover investigations, government administration, healthcare oversight, regulatory compliance, and executive leadership. She has led investigative and accountability efforts spanning Arizona’s 15 counties, contributing to more than 60 investigative operations. She currently is leading investigations of over 200 active cases and enforcement actions. Michelle remains committed to upholding constitutional rights, advancing institutional accountability, and ensuring that no vulnerable person is denied justice while holding wrongdoers accountable to the full extent of the law.

Executive, Lay Prosecutor

Melody L. Holm

Melody Lynn Holm serves as the Executive Lay Prosecutor for the Bureau of Healthcare and Financial Fraud at the National Center for Vulnerable Communities (NCVC), succeeding former Special Lay Prosecutor Anthony Manley. She focuses on investigating and pursuing accountability and prosecuting matters involving suspected institutional misconduct, healthcare fraud, and financial crimes. Her responsibilities include preparing and coordinating formal referrals to federal law enforcement agencies for preliminary investigative review. In addition to her prosecutorial responsibilities, she mentors and provides procedural guidance and strategic support to the Office’s Lay Prosecutors and Senior Lay Prosecutors. Melody remains committed to advancing justice, strengthening institutional accountability, and upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Senior, Lay Prosecutor

Danielle Kendrick 

I am committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities by pursuing justice, holding wrongdoers accountable, and ensuring every individual is treated with dignity and compassion. I work in the bureau of special prosecutions.

Deputy, Assistant Director

Derrick Byrd 

Strong leadership is about creating alignment, strengthening operations, and ensuring our teams have the resources and support they need to protect vulnerable communities and pursue justice with integrity.

Deputy, Private Attorney General

Jada Alicia Garcia

My mission is to protect vulnerable individuals and communities by enforcing the law, holding wrongdoers accountable, and ensuring every vulnerable individual and community is protected and their rights are upheld. I am the second highest ranking official for NCVC and work alongside the Private Attorney General (PAG) Mrs. Ruchi J. Prajapati. I assist her with overseeing agency, prosecutions, investigations, and litigation efforts against wrongdoers that commit violations or crimes against vulnerable individuals and communities.

Senior, Lay Prosecutor

Brandon Kyle Freyer

Brandon holds government actors and contractors accountable through thorough investigations and prosecutions, maintaining public trust in our institutions across Arizona. I work in the bureau of public integrity and accountability.

Undercover, Facility Monitor | CFA

NAME PROTECTED

Undercover Facility Monitor: Assigned to covert site documentation associated with Correctional facilities. They investigate and monitor systematic abuse, neglect, and due process concerns related to our broad U.S. jurisdictions of jails and prisons.

Office, & Legal Support Administrator

Madeline Gallagher

Behind every strong case is a team that works with precision, integrity, and purpose. My commitment is to empower our legal support professionals and ensure our prosecutors have the resources they need to pursue justice for vulnerable communities. I work in Administration in the bureau of compliance administration for NCVC.

Regional, Compliance Monitor

Marcos Vance

Marcos Vance advocates for patients, individuals with disabilities, and vulnerable populations. He is dedicated to protecting individuals from neglect, abuse, and mistreatment. His focus is on patient dignity, safety, and healthcare rights. He promotes accountability and quality care in healthcare settings. He supports individuals in understanding and asserting their rights. His mission is to ensure every patient is treated with respect, fairness, and compassion.

Healthcare/IDD Ombudsman For Medicaid Beneficiary Rights Division

Shelly K. Davis

Shelly Kathleen Davis serves as the State Healthcare/IDD Ombudsman for the Medicaid Beneficiary Rights Division at the National Center for Vulnerable Communities (NCVC). She advocates for and protects the rights of Medicaid beneficiaries and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across the jurisdictions that our office serves in. Shelly investigates care breakdowns, resolves systemic barriers, and ensures continuity of medically necessary services through strong regulatory oversight, and public interest enforcement.

Senior, Lay Prosecutor

Ashley M. Mecartea 

Every child deserves protection, opportunity, and a voice. My mission is to ensure accountability, uphold rights, and champion justice for children and youth. I work in the Bureau of children and youth protections.

Disability, Program & Federal Funding Fraud Investigator

James Bostwick

Every individual deserves equal access, respect, and protection under the law. My mission is to hold bad actors accountable and ensure that individuals with disabilities can live, learn, work, and thrive with dignity. I work in the Healthcare & Patients Rights Bureau, protecting Americans from healthcare and billing fraud.

Protective, Support Coordinator & Healthcare Advocacy Liaison

Rita Ayon

Designated and assigned to coordinate and provide safety protection assistance to Michelle Harper. Rita helps Michelle with, healthcare advocacy, and supportive communication. Transportation and SMI/mental healthcare and healthcare coordination and assuring Michelle's safety and protection.

Special, Lay Prosecutor

Nevaeh Rivera

Every senior and vulnerable adult deserves protection, dignity, and a voice. My mission is to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure our aging population receives the justice and support they deserve. I lead the bureau of elder protections.

Lay, Prosecutor

Hannah Swift

Everyone deserves to live authentically, safely, and with dignity. My mission is to protect the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community and ensure equality, inclusion, and justice for all. I spear head the bureau of LGBTQIA+ protections.

Field, Operations Coordinator

Amy Curtis

Amy Curtis help ensure our monitors and investigators personal safety, general well-being, and investigation integrity are upheld. She provides practical daily supervision support regarding their investigative operations and monitoring efforts. She acts as the supervisor for all NCVC's investigative and monitoring staff and ensures compliance, accountability, and their safety and wellbeing while doing their jobs.

Lay, Prosecutor

Lauran Sterling

Lauren Sterling serves as a Lay Prosecutor for the Bureau of Court of Law and Due Process at the National Center for Vulnerable Communities. She is dedicated to upholding justice, fairness, and accountability. Her work emphasizes due process and the protection of individual rights. She is passionate about advocating and prosecuting bad actors for vulnerable communities. Lauren remains committed to promoting equity, integrity, and justice for all.

Lay, Prosecutor

Victoria Cross

Victoria Cross serves as a Lay Prosecutor for the Bureau of Special Prosecutions. She is dedicated to advancing justice, accountability, and the rule of law. Her work emphasizes integrity, fairness, and the pursuit of justice in complex legal matters. She is passionate about protecting individual rights and ensuring that justice is served. Victoria remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethical prosecutions, and public service.

Behavioral, Health Facility Safety Liaison

Diamond Last Name Protected

Listed to support patient advocacy investigates behavioral health facility concerns, and patient well-being and safety concerns for individuals in U.S. behavioral health systems.

Patients, Rights Investigator

Jared Last Name Protected

Designated to assist in investigating medical facilities ensuring safety planning, practical needs, and oversight support coordination for licensed medical facilities. He also helps ensure that facilities maintain state and federal compliance and safety standards.

Judicial, Conduct Accountability Investigator

Sunny Last Name Protected

Sunny serves as a Judicial Conduct Accountability Investigator with NCVC, promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability within the judicial system. He investigates judicial misconduct, ethics violations, and abuses of authority. He reviews complaints and documentation for federal administrative referrals. Sunny works with individuals, families, and U.S. judicial systems to address misconduct and unfair practices.He advocates against unlawful denials, mismanagement, and discrimination. Committed to justice, Sunny upholds transparency, accountability, and integrity within the judicial system.

Lay, Prosecutor

Alana Cross

Alana Cross serves as a Lay Prosecutor for the Bureau of LGBTQIA+ Protections. She is dedicated to advancing equality, justice, and the protection of LGBTQIA+ rights. Her work emphasizes fairness, inclusion, and accountability in addressing discrimination and injustice. She is passionate about advocating for marginalized individuals and ensuring every voice is heard. Alana remains committed to upholding dignity, promoting equal protection, and fostering a more just and inclusive society.

Lay, Prosecutor

Jonathan Vance

Jonathan Vance serves as a Lay Prosecutor for the Bureau of Elder Protections. He is dedicated to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of older adults. His work emphasizes justice, accountability, and the prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. He is passionate about advocating for vulnerable seniors and ensuring their voices are heard. Jonathan remains committed to promoting fairness, protecting elderly communities, and upholding the highest standards of integrity and public service.

Federal, Administrative Referral Clerk

Jordan Cross

Jordan Cross serves as a Federal Administrative Referral Clerk for the Bureau of Federal Administrative Referrals. He is dedicated to ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and accountability in administrative referral processes. His work emphasizes professionalism, organization, and the proper handling of federal administrative matters. He is committed to supporting due process and maintaining the integrity of referral procedures. Jordan remains devoted to upholding transparency, fairness, and excellence in public service.

Senior, Casework Reviewer

Chloe Sterling

Chloe Sterling serves as a Senior Casework Reviewer for the Bureau of Correctional Facility Accountability. She is dedicated to promoting transparency, fairness, and accountability within correctional institutions. Her work emphasizes thorough case evaluations, institutional oversight, and the protection of individual rights. She is passionate about ensuring correctional facilities uphold standards of justice, due process, and ethical conduct. Chloe remains committed to advancing institutional integrity, safeguarding vulnerable individuals, and promoting accountability throughout the correctional system.

Data, Integrity Specialist

Elena Bostova

Elena Bostova serves as a Data Integrity Specialist within the Biometric Database Auditing Unit of the National Center for Vulnerable Communities. She is dedicated to ensuring accuracy, transparency, and accountability in biometric data management. Her work emphasizes data protection, ethical oversight, and the safeguarding of sensitive personal information. She is passionate about protecting individual privacy rights and promoting responsible data practices. Elena remains committed to upholding the highest standards of data integrity, security, and accountability while protecting vulnerable communities.

Public, Records Inspector

Xavier Vance

Xavier Vance serves as a Public Records Inspector for the Bureau of Public Records & Transparency at the National Center for Vulnerable Communities. He is dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and public access to information. His work emphasizes accurate recordkeeping, regulatory compliance, and the integrity of public records. He is passionate about ensuring information is handled responsibly while protecting individual rights and confidentiality. Xavier remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, ethical oversight, and public trust.

Lay, Prosecutor

Lucas Sterling

Lucas Sterling serves as a Lay Prosecutor for the Bureau of Public Integrity and Accountability at the National Center for Vulnerable Communities (NCVC). He is dedicated to promoting transparency, ethical governance, and accountability within public institutions. His work emphasizes investigating misconduct, protecting public trust, and ensuring fairness in matters involving abuses of authority. He is passionate about upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable individuals. Lucas remains committed to advancing justice, strengthening institutional integrity, and ensuring that those in positions of authority are held accountable.

Lay, Prosecutor

Sophia Vance

Sophia Vance serves as a Lay Prosecutor for the Bureau of Children & Youth Protections at the National Center for Vulnerable Communities (NCVC). She is dedicated to safeguarding the rights, safety, and well-being of children and young people. Her work emphasizes child welfare, justice, accountability, and the prevention of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. She is passionate about advocating for vulnerable youth and ensuring their voices are heard and protected. Sophia remains committed to advancing children’s rights, strengthening institutional accountability, and promoting a safer future for every child.

Lay, Prosecutor

Christina Vance

Christina Vance serves as a Lay Prosecutor for the Bureau of Healthcare and Financial Fraud at the National Center for Vulnerable Communities (NCVC). She is dedicated to combating financial exploitation, healthcare fraud, and institutional misconduct. Her work emphasizes accountability, transparency, and the protections of individuals affected by fraudulent practices. She is passionate about safeguarding vulnerable populations and promoting integrity within healthcare and financial systems. Christina remains committed to advancing justice, protecting individual rights, and ensuring prosecuting those who exploit public trust.

Chief, Executive Registrar

Catherine Vance

Catherine Vance serves as the Chief Executive Registrar for the Inter-Agency Coordination Department at the National Center for Vulnerable Communities (NCVC). She is dedicated to strengthening communication, collaboration, and operational efficiency across agencies and departments. Her work emphasizes accurate recordkeeping, administrative oversight, and the coordination of essential institutional processes. She is passionate about promoting transparency, organizational integrity, and accountability in inter-agency operations. Catherine remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, efficiency, and public service while supporting the protection of vulnerable communities.

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Melody investigates and prosecutes institutional misconduct, healthcare fraud, and financial crimes, and structures formal law enforcement referrals to federal agencies for further action.

Confidential, Informant

Personnel Entry #46

Personnel Entry #46 serves as a Confidential Informant within the Confidential Support Personnel division of the National Center for Vulnerable Communities (NCVC). Their identity remains protected to safeguard personal security, confidentiality, and the integrity of sensitive matters. Their role involves supporting investigative efforts through the confidential reporting of information concerning potential misconduct, institutional abuses, and threats to vulnerable populations. All information is handled with discretion and an emphasis on privacy, accuracy, and procedural integrity. Personnel Entry #46 contributes to NCVC’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and the protection of vulnerable communities.

Digital, Platform Accountability Officer

David Vance

David Vance serves as the Digital Platform Accountability Officer for the Cyber-Surveillance Tracking Unit at the National Center for Vulnerable Communities (NCVC). He is dedicated to promoting digital transparency, cybersecurity accountability, and the protection of individual privacy rights. His work focuses on monitoring digital platforms, identifying potential surveillance abuses, and examining concerns involving unauthorized data collection and digital misconduct. He is passionate about protecting vulnerable individuals from technology-related exploitation and ensuring responsible digital practices. David remains committed to advancing digital justice, safeguarding civil liberties, and strengthening accountability in an increasingly connected world.

Lay, Prosecutor

Dominic Cross

Dominic Cross serves as a Lay Prosecutor for the Bureau of Court of Law & Due Process at the National Center for Vulnerable Communities (NCVC). He is dedicated to upholding constitutional rights, procedural fairness, and equal protection under the law. His work focuses on addressing potential due process violations, promoting judicial accountability, and safeguarding individuals against institutional misconduct. He is passionate about ensuring vulnerable populations receive fair treatment and meaningful access to justice. Dominic remains committed to advancing legal integrity, protecting civil liberties, and strengthening accountability within the justice system.