Oxendine appointed to Shoshone Magistrate seat

WALLACE — Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney Keisha Oxendine has been appointed to the position of Shoshone County Magistrate Judge for Idaho’s First Judicial District.

Oxendine beat out nominees Luke Hagelberg, Douglas Pierce and Lee Fisher for the position, which was announced early Monday morning, where she will fill the position formerly held by Judge Barbara Duggan — Shoshone County’s newly appointed district judge.

“I am honored to be selected for this position,” Oxendine said. “It has always been my dream to be a member of the judiciary and serve as a judge in Shoshone County. I am grateful to have this opportunity.”

Magistrate judges can hear a wide array of cases and case types.

They have jurisdiction to hear infractions, misdemeanors, felony preliminary hearings, probates, guardianships, conservatorships, divorces, adoptions, termination of parental rights cases, habeas corpus cases, juvenile cases and civil cases in which the amount of money in dispute does not exceed $10,000.

Magistrate duties include issuing various types of processes such as arrest warrants, summonses, search warrants, emergency protective orders, emergency custody orders and certain civil warrants.

They can also conduct bail hearings in instances in which an individual is arrested to determine under what conditions the arrestee should be released from custody prior to trial.

Magistrates provide services on an around-the-clock basis, conducting hearings in person or through the use of video conferencing systems.

Oxendine has served as prosecuting attorney for more than a decade, handling every kind of case one can imagine — so replacing her will not be easy.

Fortunately, Shoshone County already has an experienced replacement working in the PA’s office.

“As Chief Deputy, Benjamin Allen will be acting Prosecuting Attorney while a decision is made on my replacement,” Oxendine said. “Benjamin is an asset to this community and has shown dedication to Shoshone County and its safety.”

Allen intends to seek appointment to this position long-term, but will serve as interim-prosecuting attorney for the duration of Oxendine’s term until he can be elected.

“Keisha has done such a great job of representing the county in this capacity,” Allen said. “I look forward to picking up where she left off and ensuring the safety of the community and the interests of its citizens is made a priority.”