Gov. Tate Reeves has announced the appointment of Michael Reed to the office of circuit judge for the 12th district.
Reed, a Hattiesburg native, currently works as an attorney and serves as a municipal judge in both Petal and Richton. With his new position, he will oversee cases in Forrest and Perry counties.
“Michael’s years of experience prosecuting criminals and trying cases will serve the 12th Circuit Court District well,” Reeves said. “Mississippi residents deserve a strong criminal justice system – that’s why I’ve appointed people like Michael. I know his expertise and experience will strengthen the 12th Circuit Court District. I thank him for what he’s done to uphold the rule of law and for his judicial service in the years to come.”
Reed’s appointment fills a vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Robert B. Helfrich. Reed will take the post on July 1.
Reed has been a practicing attorney since 1998. Before becoming a judge, he served as a city prosecutor for both Petal and Richton, prosecuting thousands of misdemeanor cases such as DUIs, drug offenses, and assaults. He has also tried dozens of felony criminal cases, including cases of murder, rape, aggravated assault, and kidnapping.
