KC Reporter

Today, Governor Mike Parson announced the appointment of three judges to fill vacancies in Missouri's 14th, 16th, and 21st Judicial Circuits.

Garreth Cooksey from Hannibal will serve as Associate Circuit Judge for Randolph County in the 14th Judicial Circuit. Cooksey is currently an assistant prosecuting attorney in Marion County. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and business administration from Truman State University and holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia. This appointment fills the vacancy left by the retirement of the Honorable James M. Cooksey.

Patrick C. Edwards of Kansas City has been appointed as Circuit Judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit. Edwards serves as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degrees in political science and history from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. His appointment comes following the retirement of the Honorable Justine E. Del Muro.

Jason K. Lewis from Wildwood will take on the role of Associate Circuit Judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit. Lewis is currently general counsel to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and a Juris Doctor from Washington University in St. Louis. This position became available due to the appointment of the Honorable Lorne J. Baker as Circuit Judge.