Johnson seeks county judge position

Published 7:00 pm Thursday, April 19, 2018

W. Richard “Ricky” Johnson has qualified to be considered for county and youth court judge in the Nov. 6 election.

County courts have exclusive jurisdiction over eminent domain proceedings and juvenile matters. In counties with a county court, the judge also serves as the youth court judge. The courts share jurisdiction with circuit and chancery courts in some civil matters, and have a jurisdictional limit of up to $200,000. County courts may handle non-capital felony cases transferred from circuit court.

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The judicial elections are nonpartisan.

Johnson said he has been elected county prosecutor four times without opposition and served 15 years as county and youth court prosecutor for Warren County.

“I decided my intent (to run) a year ago, when judge (John Price) originally announced his retirement, and I’ve come to that point because I feel I’m best qualified to assume the awesome responsibilities associated with the job,” Johnson said of his decision to run.

“I’ve tried to learn as I go, I’ve spent 15 years on the ground learning, and I think I’m now qualified to pass my experience on.

“During my tenure as prosecuting attorney, I have represented the citizens of Warren County in the misdemeanor matters filed in justice court and juvenile matters brought to youth court,” he said.

In carrying out this responsibility, Johnson said, “I have strived to maintain an appreciation of my role in the adult and juvenile criminal justice system, and to faithfully and fairly perform my obligations.

“It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with the qualified and dedicated individuals in Warren County who share my desire to be a positive influence for others in spite of the negative circumstances and difficult situations in which we find ourselves and others.”

Johnson said problems like substance abuse, mental illness, behavior disorders, physical and emotional abuse, lack of education, social pressure and economic burdens are often part of the forces that contribute to jeopardize acceptable behavior and threated domestic harmony and public peace.

“Having an appreciation of the situational dynamics of each particular case is primary in imposing an appropriate judgment and reaching a just result,” he said.

“This premise is particularly applicable to the rehabilitation of a child. Having understood this responsibility as county prosecutor, I have consistently attempted to represent Warren County in a diligent manner and assist others by helping them identify and overcome influences which lead to criminal behavior and social injustice.

“Experience and understanding are requisites that I feel uniquely qualify me to accept the responsibilities as county and youth court judge. I pledge to maintain virtue and uphold the law in a fair, dignified, respectful and just manner.”

Johnson has been a practicing attorney in Vicksburg and Warren County since his graduation from Mississippi College School of Law in 1979, and has experience in civil and criminal matters of law and equity.

He has been married to the former Saralie Prewitt for 42 years and they have three adult sons and five grandchildren.

Johnson is a member of the Mississippi Prosecutors Association, a member of the coordinated community resource team for domestic violence, chairman of the Mississippi Bar’s resolution for fee dispute committee, facilitator for guardian ad litem training and child advocacy and associate director of the Miss Mississippi Pageant.

He is active in First Baptist Church, where he is department director for youth Sunday school, a trustee, member of the nominating committee and a member of the church executive committee.

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

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