Gerald is a native son of Buchanan County, Virginia, and is a graduate of Grundy Senior High School. He attended UVA-Wise, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Government, and went on to graduate 5th in his class from the Appalachian School of Law, receiving his Juris Doctor degree magna cum laude.

In 2004, Gerald was admitted to the Virginia bar, and later served Buchanan County as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Gerald prosecutes cases in all courts, with a primary focus on violent crimes, drug distribution cases, and crimes against children.