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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAn Allen County magistrate judge has been appointed to an open seat on the Allen Superior Court bench.
Magistrate Judge Steven O. Godfrey will succeed Judge Wendy Davis, who is running unopposed in November for the Allen Circuit Court. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Godfrey’s appointment to Allen Superior Court-Criminal Division on Friday.
The vacancy that Godfrey will fill traces to the retirement of Allen Circuit Judge Thomas Felts. Davis’ election to circuit court will fill Felts’ position, leaving a vacancy on the Superior Court bench.
Godfrey has been a magistrate judge in the Fort Wayne-based courts since 2018, presiding over criminal, civil, family and child support cases. He oversees three problem-solving courts, including a veterans court, a restoration court and Indiana’s first and only operating a vehicle while intoxicated court.
Godfrey began his legal career in Allen County as a clerk for judges John Surbeck and Philip Thieme. He then served seven years in the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office before returning to Allen County and taking a position with the local prosecutor’s office. Godfrey rose to chief counsel of the criminal division during his time with the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office.
The new judge has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ball State University and a law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law. The Indiana Roll of Attorneys indicates he was admitted to the Indiana bar in 1991 and has no disciplinary history.
Godfrey was one of three finalists to fill the Allen Superior Court vacancy. The other two finalists were Magistrate Judge Samuel Keirns and attorney Andrew Teel.
Godfrey will be sworn into his new judicial position on a date to be determined.
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