RENO COUNTY, Kan. – Andrew Jefferson Newsum of Hutchinson has been appointed the new magistrate judge for the 27th Judicial District which comprises Reno County. The appointment was announced Monday by Governor Laura Kelly. Newsum will take the position vacated when Daniel Gilligan became Division III District Judge earlier this month.
“Newsum has a long and decorated career in law enforcement,” Kelly said. “This expertise has given him a strong grasp of the law, and I am excited for his transition to the bench of the 27th Judicial District.”
Newsum currently serves as Special Agent in charge of Professional Standards for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. During his service, he has received the KBI Jack Ford Award for Exceptional Service. Newsum is active in the law enforcement community with his membership in the Kansas Sheriff’s Association, Kansas Police Officer Association, and the Knights of Columbus.
“I am honored to learn that Governor Laura Kelly has offered me the opportunity to fill the vacancy of the Magistrate Judge position for the 27th Judicial District in Reno County, Kansas,” Newsum said. “Throughout my career, I have had wonderful mentors who have taught and supported me in the interpretation of the law and I am very excited that the timing is finally right to transition to the judicial side of the criminal justice system.”
District Court Judges in the 27th Judicial District are elected and serve four-year terms. When a judge retires in the middle of a term, the governor appoints a new judge to finish out the term.
