MASON — A long-time prosecutor has been appointed to fill a vacancy on the 55th District Court bench.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday, June 25, named Chief Assistant Ingham County Prosecutor Nicole Matusko, the second-ranking member of the office, to the seat left vacant by the retirement of 55th District Judge Donald Allen Jr. earlier this year.
Her term will begin Aug. 10and expire on Jan. 1, 2029.
Matusko has a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University and a law degree from Notre Dame Law School. She’s been with the prosecutor’s office since 2009 and was named chief assistant after John Dewane became prosecutor in late 2022.
In a news release, Dewane described her as “an exceptional attorney” and “a steady leader.”
“While it is difficult to lose someone of Nicole’s caliber, this appointment is a testament to the respect she has earned throughout the legal community and the confidence Governor Whitmer has placed in her abilities,” Dewane said. “Her innovative approach and commitment to problem-solving have strengthened our justice system and improved outcomes for countless members of our community.”
Allen retired in April. The court has two judicial seats and has been using visiting judges to handle some of its caseload.
Matusko was among two judicial appointments made by Whitmer on Thursday.
Anna White, of Holland, a deputy public defender at the Ottawa County Office of the Public Defender, was appointed to a vacancy on the 58th District Court in Ottawa County.
Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on X @KBPalm_lsj
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Ingham County prosecutor named judge in 55th District Court
Reporting by Ken Palmer, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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By Ken Palmer, Lansing State Journal | USA TODAY Network
