Parson makes 5 judicial appointments

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today Gov. Mike Parson announced five judge appointments for the 17th, 20th, 21st and 38th judicial districts.

Kaitlyn Roach is appointed Associate Circuit Judge for Johnson County in the 17th Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Roach will fill the vacancy as Associate Circuit Judge resulting from the resignation of the Honorable W. Sue Dodson. The appointment will be effective January 3, 2022.

Ms. Roach, of Warrensburg, is currently an attorney at law with the law firm of Lance A. Riddle. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Missouri and a Juris Doctor from the Mississippi College School of Law.

Ryan J. Helfrich was appointed Circuit Judge for the 20th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Helfrich will fill the position of district judge created by the retirement of the honorable Isidor I. Lamke.

Mr. Helfrich of Washington is currently a partner at Helfrich, Hotz, Brandt, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Community and Regional Planning from Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.

Krista Peyton was appointed Associate Circuit Judge for St. Louis County in the 21st Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Peyton will fill the Associate Circuit Judge position created by the appointment of the Honorable Virginia Lay as District Judge.

Ms. Peyton of St. Louis currently serves as General Counsel for the St. Louis Housing Authority. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Southeast Missouri State University and both a Master of Arts in Political Science and a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University.

The Honorable Jessica Kruse was appointed District Judge for the 38th Circuit.

Judge Kruse will fill the position of district judge created by the appointment of the Honorable Jennifer Growcock to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District.

Judge Kruse of Nixa currently serves as an Associate Circuit Judge for Christian County in the 38th Judicial Circuit. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Crime and Society/Sociology from Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa College of Law.

Steven Ward was appointed Associate Circuit Judge for Christian County in the 38th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Ward will fill the Associate Circuit Judge position created by the appointment of the Honorable Jessica Kruse as Circuit Judge.

Mr. Ward of Nixa is currently an attorney with McAfee & Taft. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law

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