Nicholas Anderson, Stephen Lindee on that short list
The county attorneys in Cottonwood and Watotwan counties are among the finalists to be selected as new judges in the Fifth Judicial District.
Finalists for the two posts, in addition to Cottonwood County Attorney Nicholas Anderson and Watonwan County Attorney Stephen Lindee, are Faribault County Attorney Troy Timmerman and Assistant Public Defender and Tracy Mayor Stephen Ferrazzano.
Among the recent high profile cases handled by the Watonwan County Attorney’s Office have been those of David Pettersen and Leslie Johnson. Pettersen shot and killed a young man who was attempting to leave his rural property in a vehicle following a burglary attempt, while Johnson may be the most prolific child molester in the history of Watonwan County.
The two vacancies come with the retirements of the Honorable Douglas L. Richards and the Honorable Bradley C. Walker. Judge Richards’ seat will be chambered in Blue Earth and Judge Walker’s seat will be chambered in St. James.
Minnesota’s Fifth Judicial District consists of – in alphabetical order – Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock and Watonwan counties.
An announcement of the appointments will be made following an interview process over the next few weeks.