Bulloch County Magistrate Court Judge Karen Riggs Jones announced this week she is running for a full term. Judge Jones was appointed to the position last year by Chief Superior Court Judge Gates Peed, after Judge June Bradley Braswell announced her retirement.
Judge Riggs launched her campaign with a strong endorsement from Judge Braswell.
"As former Chief Magistrate of Bulloch County, I would like to encourage you to support and vote for Judge Karen Riggs Jones in her campaign for that office. Having recently retired after 40 years of service to the Court, 35 of those years with the pleasure of working with Judge Jones, I am confident that she is able and willing to continue filling this important role in our community," said retired Bulloch County Magistrate Judge June Braswell. "Judge Jones is a woman of great intellect, character, compassion, and determination and her commitment to the Magistrate Court has been a large contributor to the growth of the Court's influence and efficiency."
Judge Jones has worked in the Magistrate office for over 35 years, working in every position including Deputy Clerk, to Chief Clerk to Deputy Magistrate. On December 5, 2000, Karen was appointed as Deputy Magistrate Judge with the consent of then Chief Superior Court Judge Faye Sanders Martin, Judge William E. Woodrum Jr, and Judge John R. Turner.
For over 23 years, Judge Jones worked alongside retired Chief Magistrate June Bradley Braswell. In September of 2023, Judge Jones was appointed and sworn in as acting Chief Magistrate by Chief Superior Court Judge Gates Peed.
Judge Jones has been busy implementing ways to continue to serve the public by revamping hearings in order to accommodate the volume of cases.
"We conduct Civil, County Ordinance and Probable Cause Warrant hearings on Monday through Thursdays and conduct First Appearance hearings on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays for the county Jail. Judge Lynn Sapp and I are available to Law Enforcement 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, said Judge Karen Riggs Jones. "We have also begun the issuance of Bonds on individuals who are arrested when applicable. Judge Lynn Sapp and I will continue to work hard to be a service to this community and would appreciate your support in the upcoming election."
Qualifying will run from March 4 through 8, 2024, for this office and other local offices.