Naples domestic violence prosecutor honored

Then Margo Vahlkamp was slain.

And now, assigned with another attorney to prosecute the first-degree murder case of Margo's husband, David, Schwartz knows exactly what Greider meant, and why they work in the State Attorney's Office.

Not many domestic violence victims are happy about their loved one getting prosecuted, but the idea is to try to keep victims alive.

"They say I'm ruining their lives, but every once in a while one calls me to thank me for saving her life, or for helping their kids sleep at night without having to hear their mom being beaten," Schwartz said.

Schwartz was named prosecuting attorney of the year for 2003 in the five-county judicial circuit, which includes Lee and Collier. Schwartz shares the honor with Masable Baker, a juvenile case prosecutor in Fort Myers. The award was bestowed at a banquet Oct. 25.

Schwartz, 29, originally from Boston, attended Brandeis University and the University of Florida.

She continues somewhat of a legacy in the Naples office. She's the fourth winner from Naples since the annual award began in 1994, and the third in the past four years.

From the moment she walked in the Naples State Attorney's Office almost four years ago, Schwartz has handled domestic violence cases. In April, she was promoted from handling misdemeanor-level cases to felony cases, including child abuse and neglect in addition to domestic violence battery, aggravated assaults and, now with Vahlkamp's case, murder.

Schwartz will try the case of Vahlkamp -- who could face life in prison if convicted of stabbing his wife 11 times -- with last year's award-winner, Rich Montecalvo. It's a case that will be more complex and challenging than any other for Schwartz, and she looks forward to that.

But she said every other prosecutor in her office is standing up for every victim of every case, whether it involves theft, drunken driving or battery.

Greider, who was the felony domestic violence prosecutor until becoming a supervisor, explained the importance of victims the first day she met Schwartz. That prompted the comment about working in homicide prevention.

"It's scary what human beings are capable of," Schwartz said. "I can look at my intake and I can dispose of these cases and I can tell you which ones will be back. The goal is to get them to succeed, and to get them counseling so they can deal with the rage and stop taking it out on their significant other."

Greider was one of the supervisors who nominated Schwartz because "she exemplifies all of the things a prosecutor of the year should be."

"All the qualities and characteristics that define this award are what I see in Debbie every day, every night and every weekend," Greider said. "She is passionately committed to the work she does."

Schwartz is adept at all aspects of the job, including balancing a hefty case load, excelling at complicated legal work and dealing with victims and their families.

"She's very committed to public service, and she understands public service. She understands we serve each and every person in this county, and that includes some people you sometimes don't want to deal with," Greider said.

Last month, Schwartz received a job offer from a private civil law firm that would have paid her twice her $44,000 annual salary. She turned it down. She's still excited by the thrill of handling criminal cases and the sense of accomplishment from fighting for the public good. It's dramatic and, for victims, hugely important.

"Everyone in this office works hard. There are so many good attorneys here," Schwartz said. "

Domestic violence cases are notoriously tough to prosecute. Victims are sometimes uncooperative, and witnesses are often scarce.

Another person who recognized Schwartz's talents was Collier Circuit Judge Lauren Miller, in whose courtroom Schwartz works. Miller said the way lawyers present matters to the court and interact with other people go far in determining success.

"She's very prepared, very courteous and has a very nice way about her when she deals with victims and opposing counsel," Miller said. "I think she's earned a lot of respect."