By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Governor Kay Ivey announced 31 appointments to fill vacancies across Alabama on Friday, including two circuit court judgeships and a new district attorney for Lauderdale County.
In the Fourth Judicial Circuit, Governor Ivey appointed Robert “Bryan” Jones of Selma to serve as Circuit Judge. The circuit includes Dallas, Wilcox, Perry, Hale and Bibb counties. Jones, a graduate of Auburn University and the Birmingham School of Law, succeeds Judge Collins Pettaway Jr., who retired in February after 13 years on the bench.
“Bryan Jones comes to the bench with over a decade of criminal law experience as Assistant District Attorney in the Fourth Circuit,” Ivey said, noting his leadership in prosecuting violent and white-collar crimes and directing the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.
Jones called the appointment “a great honor,” adding, “I am humbled by the confidence that Governor Ivey has placed in me and embrace this new opportunity.”
Governor Ivey also appointed James Lewis “Luke” Farmer of Roanoke as Circuit Judge in the Fifth Judicial Circuit, which serves Chambers, Macon, Tallapoosa and Randolph counties. Farmer, a graduate of Auburn University and Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law, replaces Judge Steven R. Perryman.
“Luke Farmer brings to the court a broad range of legal and prosecutorial experience,” Ivey said.
Farmer said he looks forward to serving “with fairness, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.”
In Lauderdale County, Angela King Hamilton was appointed District Attorney for the 11th Judicial Circuit. A graduate of Jacksonville State University and Faulkner University’s law school, Hamilton replaces Chris Connolly.
“I am committed to leading this office with honesty, integrity, and dedication,” Hamilton said.
The appointments take effect immediately.