DeSantis picks prosecutor Rachelle Williamson to fill vacancy as Polk County judge

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Rachelle Williamson, an assistant state attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit, as a Polk County Judge.

Williamson will fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Robert Fegers in March after 14 years on the bench. Williamson, a Winter Haven resident, joined the State Attorney’s Office in 2013.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and earned her law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law.

Williamson is scheduled to take the bench on June 3. She will be assigned to civil court cases, said Nick Sudzina, court administrator for the 10^th Judicial Circuit.

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DeSantis chose Williamson over five other candidates submitted by the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 10^th Circuit: Allison Fox, Bonde Johnson, Monica Smith, Jennifer Steimle and John Waters. Fox, Johnson and Smith are also assistant state attorneys with the 10th Judicial Circuit. Steimle is a child support hearing officer, and Waters is a Lakeland attorney.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: DeSantis appoints prosecutor to fill vacancy as Polk County judge