Idaho: Gov. Little announces judicial appointments

Boise, Idaho ~ Idaho Gov. Brad Little has appointed Erin Blackadar as a district judge in Ada County and Judge Brent Ferguson as a district judge in Elmore County, both in the 4th Judicial District.

Blackadar has served as an assistant U.S. attorney since August 2022, prosecuting federal crimes, with an emphasis on child exploitation offenses, according to the governor's announcement. Before joining the federal system, she spent seven years as a prosecutor in the Ada County Prosecutor's Office, handling a range of criminal cases, including child abuse and sexual assault matters. She also worked in private practice, focusing on medical malpractice defense.

Blackadar graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law in 2012 and earned her undergraduate degree from Middlebury College in 2007. She said she was honored by the appointment and would serve with integrity, impartiality and dedication.

Ferguson has been a magistrate judge in Elmore County since 2020, handling civil and criminal cases and presiding over the county's Drug and DUI Court. Before that, he spent 13 years in the Ada County Prosecutor's Office, where he handled criminal and child protection cases. He also practiced civil law after graduating from law school.

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Ferguson earned his law degree from UCLA in 2005 and an undergraduate degree in criminal justice from California State University, Bakersfield, in 2001. He served in the U.S. Army from 1988 to 1992 and worked as a police officer in Southern California for more than seven years. He said he was humbled by the appointment and committed to serving the community and upholding the rule of law.

Under Idaho law, the Idaho Judicial Council submits at least three qualified candidates for judicial vacancies to the governor for appointment.

Little also appointed Jennifer Reibe and Judge John Lothspeich to the Idaho Judicial Council, which investigates complaints against judges and recommends judicial appointments.

Reibe has served as a Payette County commissioner since 2022 and previously spent 15 years on the county's Planning and Zoning Commission. Her other public and community service includes work with regional and state boards, local organizations and election administration. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin.

Lothspeich is a magistrate judge in the 5th Judicial District in Jerome County. He previously served as a deputy prosecutor in Jerome and Twin Falls counties, was elected Jerome County prosecutor in 1996 and later practiced law in Jerome. He was appointed magistrate judge in 2018.

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