Candidate for
Superior Court Judge; County of San Diego; Office 36

Rod Shelton is an award-winning, Deputy District Attorney with experience in many facets of our legal system. Rod currently serves in the DA's Gang Prosecution Unit where he is responsible for prosecuting gang-related cases. Rod has also served in the South Bay and East County Branches for the office, prosecuting serious felony trials for murder, assault, and rape. Rod has tried more than 25 felony jury trials.

Before joining the DA's Office, Rod served as a Deputy Public Defender for the County of San Diego for four years.

Rod received his Bachelor's Degree from Washington University in St. Louis, where he served as Captain of the football team and was named All-Conference Defensive Back. Rod also received numerous academic awards as an undergraduate, including the Ralph M. Bunch Award for academic excellence. Rod received his Juris Doctor from the UCLA School of Law.

Rod's desire to serve his community has run throughout his career. He was named an Urban Leader Under 40 by the Urban League in 2004; won the Distinguish Service Award from the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association in 2001, where he instituted the High School Shadow Program as well as the Junior High Mock Trial Program and served as the group's president; and received the Thurgood Marshall Award for outstanding career achievement, leadership and service to the San Diego Community in 2005. Rod is currently volunteering his time to coach 4-7 year olds in flag football and basketball and teaching criminal justice classes at a local college.

Rod is married to Deanna Shelton, an adjunct community college professor, and the father of three children. Rod is a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church and a member of the Legal Ministry.