VIDEO | Karen Jones makes history as Bulloch County's first African American Judge

On Thursday morning, September 28, 2023, Chief Superior Court Judge Gates Peed swore in Bulloch County's First African American Judge, Karen Riggs Jones, as Bulloch County's Chief Magistrate Judge. Formerly the Chief Deputy Magistrate, she can now remove the word Deputy from that title.

The appointment of Jones was made after the current Chief Magistrate Judge June Braswell announced her retirement after 40 years of service. Bulloch County Chief Superior Court Judge Gates Peed by statue was required to appoint a replacement for Judge Bradley to fill her remaining term. His decision was made with unanimous approval of the the Superior Court Judges serving the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit. Those include Judge Michael Muldrew, Judge Lovett Bennett and Judge Ronnie Thompson.

This history making appointment sees Judge Karen Jones become the first African American Judge in Bulloch County. It was done Thursday morning in her courtroom as family, friends and staff watched.

Judge Braswell's official last day in office will be Friday, September 29, 2023. Judge Jones officially will take over on Monday, October 2, 2023.

092823-judge-jones-staff — L-R Back Row: Portal Police Chief and Constable Jason Sapp, Ricky Stinger, Chief Constable, Keith Stone, Court Security, Brenda Cross, Chief Clerk, Lynn Sapp, Magistrate Judge, Brittany Golab, Clerk, Celeria Brown, Clerk, Makia Wynn, Clerk, Jennifer McDonald, Clerk, Cortnee Ranew, Clerk, Michael Chappel, Constable Front row L-R: retiring Judge June Braswell and Judge Karen Jones. DeWayne Grice

About Judge Karen Riggs Jones

Judge Jones was born and raised here in Statesboro, Bulloch County. Her parents are Floyd Riggs (deceased) and Martha Howard Riggs.

"My dad Floyd Riggs worked for many years with the Banks City Dairy which later became Coble Dairy. He was the Milk man! He delivered milk door to door locally," said Judge Jones.

092823-judge-jones-family — . DeWayne Grice

Some facts about Judge Jones:

First Day on the job as a Bulloch Deputy Magistrate Clerk was Nov 14, 1988

Worked 12 years as Deputy Clerk in every position in the office before being appointed as Chief Clerk in Jan. 2000.

On Dec. 5^th 2000, appointed as Magistrate Judge by Chief Magistrate June Braswell with the consent of then, Chief Superior Court Judge Faye Sanders Martin, Judge William E. Woodrum Jr, and Judge John R. Turner.

She has obtained the mandatory training from the Magistrate Court training Council and every year since her initial certification, she has exceeded the required number of hours to further her knowledge as Magistrate Judge.

Judge Jones is a 2022 graduate of the First Bulloch County Management Development Program through UGA Carl Vincent Institute of Government Management.

"I thank God daily for this job. This is only my 2^nd job ever. I love this County and I love serving and helping people. I am thankful for June Braswell who has trained and took me under her wings and helped me become who I am as a Magistrate. I am honored that she has had faith in my ability to assist her for over 20 years as a Magistrate and appoint me as Chief Magistrate, with the approval of the Superior Court Judges to fulfill the rest of her term," said Judge Jones.

"June is and will always be family to me. Her family is my family and vice versa. We have and will continue to be there for each other through the happy and tough times. Her retirement is only from this office. Not our lives"

092823-judge-jones-crowd — Family, friends and staff look attending the ceremony. DeWayne Grice

Candidacy Announced

Today's appointment will allow Judge Jones to fill the unexpired term of Judge Braswell which will end on December 31, 2024. At that point she will be required to qualify and run for the office to continue as Chief Magistrate Judge.

Immediately after being sworn in Judge Jones announced her candidacy for the full term as Chief Magistrate which will allow her to continue her career as a Public Servant and leading her staff in service to the citizens of Bulloch County.

092823-judge-jones-and-judge-braswell — Retiring Judge June Braswell (L) with Judge Karen Jones (R). DeWayne Grice

Lynn Sapp appointed Magistrate Judge

Her next order of business was to appoint Lynn Sapp to Full Time Magistrate Judge. Lynn has 20 plus years with the Magistrate Court and acted as Hearing Clerk. She was appointed as Part-time Magistrate in July 2023 and has been an asset to this office. "Lynn and I will make a great team and I look forward to serving with her for many years," said Judge Jones.