Mike Reed tabbed by Gov. as new Circuit Court Judge for Forrest and Perry counties
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Hattiesburg attorney with strong ties to Perry County has been appointed by Governor Tate Reeves to serve as the new Circuit Court Judge for Forrest and Perry counties.
Thomas Michael Reed was announced last week as Reeve’s selection for 12th Circuit Court District judgeship, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of the Judge Robert B. Helfrich.
Reed will begin serving in his new role on July 1 and he will serve the remainder of the current 4-year term, before deciding whether he will seek election to a full term.
When contacted by The Dispatch, Reed called the appointment a “bittersweet” development due to the local roles he is required to relinquish for the new role.
“I have represented the Richton Municipal Separate School District for approximately 25 years and the Town of Richton for approximately 16 years, while also serving the Town of Richton as either prosecutor or (municipal) judge for many years. My new position requires that I relinquish these current positions.”
“The citizens of Richton and Perry County have been extremely gracious to my family and I over the years, which is something I will forever cherish and never forget. Fortunately, as Circuit Court Judge, I will still be able to serve the citizens of Richton and Perry County, just in a different capacity. I know I have big shoes to fill in replacing Judge Bob Helfrich and I will strive daily to do my best for the people of the 12th Circuit Court District.”
Reed earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi and holds a B.S. degree from Mississippi State University. He has been a practicing attorney since 1998 and currently serves as a Municipal Court Judge for both Petal and Richton. He previously served as a city prosecutor for both Richton and Petal, prosecuting thousands of misdemeanor cases ranging from DUIs and drug offenses to assault cases. Reed has tried dozens of felony criminal cases, including cases of murder, rape, aggravated assault, kidnapping, and drug possession, in both state and federal court.
“Michael’s years of experience prosecuting criminals and trying cases will serve the 12th Circuit Court District well,” said Gov. Reeves said in making the announcement on June 5. “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.”
