Florida governor appoints former State Attorney Brad King to the bench
After decades of being the 5th Judicial Circuit’s elected state attorney and a short time in semi-retirement, Brad King is now a circuit judge.
“After 32 years as a state attorney, I think it will be a fairly easy transition,” King said by phone Tuesday afternoon, not long after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office announced the appointment.
The governor’s news release states: “King served as the State attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit from 1989 to 2020. He earned both his bachelor’s degree and his juris doctor from the University of Florida. King fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Richard Singeltary.”
Why this move?
Since his retirement, King has worked as a reserve officer for the Ocala Police Department. King has been out since November 2022 for surgery. He said he’s recovering and looks forward to a new chapter.
King said some of his initial judicial duties will include some juvenile and probate cases. He said he has done some probate work since his retirement.
Circuit judges can serve anywhere in the circuit, which covers Marion, Lake, Sumter, Citrus and Hernando counties. Singeltary was based in Lake. Circuit judges are elected, but since there was time left in Singeltary’s term, the governor appointed his successor. King will have to seek election circuit-wide if he wishes to secure a full term on the bench.
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Asked what it’s like to step into a totally new role, King noted some basic similarities. As state attorney, he had to look at the facts and the law and then make decisions. He said the process will be the same on the bench.
King retired as state attorney because he and his wife were taking care of their adoptive son. He said now that his son is in the first grade, he has some free time on his hands and decided to apply for the judicial position.
King said he interviewed with members of the governor’s legal staff in late August. He said his name was one of five sent to DeSantis for consideration.
“I had a great time interviewing,” he said.
Reaction to the news
State attorney Bill Gladson, who took over for King, said he’s “absolutely thrilled and excited for him.” He said King’s “career in public service demonstrates his commitment to our community.” He added: “King will serve the people of the 5th Judicial Circuit with justice, integrity and diligence.”
5th Judicial Circuit Public Defender Mike Graves said he’s happy for King and the circuit. Graves said King’s “impeccable character” will serve the area well, and is very pleased with the governor’s selection.
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said he has known King for majority of his career. He called King “a no nonsense prosecutor who stood up for victims throughout our circuit.”
Balken said that as police chief, “I was blessed to see him transition from state attorney to his most recent position of reserve police officer for our agency.” As a reserve officer, King would often out-perform much younger officers.
“I’m truly excited to learn of his appointment today and wish him the very best in his new role as judge. I have no doubt that he will be as equally impressive on the bench,” Balken said.
King’s background
As an officer, King worked anywhere from 25 to 30 hours a week. His career as a reserve officer with the police department started in 2021.
His law enforcement career began long before the police department — and even before his legal career. King was a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy and was given the K.C. Alvarez award for the top law enforcement recruit. King graduated from Forest High School. He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana.
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After graduating from law school in 1981, King worked at the SAO and has been a career prosecutor. He worked as an assistant state attorney under State Attorneys Gordon Oldham and Ray Gill. Both were head of the 5th Judicial Circuit.
King ran for the office and won in 1988.
King said he’s expected to be on his judicial assignment early next month.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb
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