THE PATH FROM
PRISON TO PRINCIPAL.
LulzSec & The Sony Breach
Made worldwide headlines as a member of LulzSec. It was a period of arrogance, recklessness, and consequence. This experience didn't just teach me how to break systems; it taught me how fragile they truly are.
Federal Custody & Reflection
Serving time in federal prison changes your perspective on risk, consequence, and humanity. I spent this time deconstructing where I went wrong and planning how to use my skillset constructively.
Starting From Zero
Joined an MSP at the lowest level with everything to prove. I wasn't there to be the "reformed hacker"—I was there to show I could build, not just break. Every ticket, every escalation, every late night was a step toward earning trust in an industry that had every reason to doubt me.
Offensive Security Engineer
Moved into offensive security. Pentests, red team engagements, adversary simulation. The same skills that got me arrested turned out to be valuable when applied with permission and purpose.
Security Operations Architect
Built a SOC from the ground up. Hired analysts, wrote detection logic, established IR procedures. Learned firsthand which processes hold up under pressure and which ones collapse the moment something real happens.
BSides Peoria & Illinois Cyber Foundation
Co-founded BSides Peoria and the Illinois Cyber Foundation. Central Illinois needed a security community and nobody was building one. 120+ attendees in year one. Now focused on mentoring the next generation and advocating for people who deserve a second chance in this industry.
Principal Security Advisor
Now focused on high-level advisory, keynote speaking, and vulnerability research. Leading security strategy while continuing community work through the Illinois Cyber Foundation and BSides Peoria. Mentoring at-risk youth and advocating for second chances in the security industry.
