It was a morning of change for Butler County Courthouse, when a new presiding judge and prosecuting attorney were sworn in Friday.
It marked the retirement of outgoing Presiding Judge Mike Pritchett, while two men who have long served the communities of this area stepped forward to new roles.
Kacey Proctor was sworn in as presiding judge for the 36th Judicial Circuit serving Butler and Ripley counties.
“I will always view this as Judge Pritchett’s courtroom,” Proctor said after the ceremony Friday morning in front of a standing room-only crowd in the courthouse’s largest courtroom. “I grew up as an attorney in front of him. I cannot begin to express how many things I have learned from him about the practice of law and as a person.”
Proctor had served as prosecuting attorney since 2018, and was an assistant prosecutor prior to that in multiple communities.
Proctor and Pritchett first met in Ripley County, where Pritchett was overseeing a felony and civil docket.
Proctor was working for the Ripley County prosecuting attorney’s office at the time, Pritchett recalled.
“I immediately, just upon talking to him, realized he was a hard worker. He was ambitious and he was eager to be the best prosecuting attorney he could be,” Pritchett said, adding that as the Butler County prosecutor, Proctor has “done an excellent job.
“As a prosecuting attorney, he has through his conduct and action displayed his integrity and knowledge and determination to serve the citizens of Butler County to the best of his ability.”
The appointment of a new judge is a momentous occasion, Pritchett said.
“Today, we’re fortunate to welcome someone who embodies the principles that we all hold so dear,” he told the room, before swearing Proctor in. “This individual brings to the bench not only a wealth of knowledge but also a profound commitment to upholding the rule of law... He has a deep understanding of the complexity of the legal system and a reputation for integrity that proceeds him.”
Proctor possesses a rare combination of empathy and discernment, understanding that decisions made in the courtroom have far-reaching consequences in the lives of those involved, Pritchett continued.
“He has a proven ability to balance the letter of the law with a keen awareness for the human element, ensuring that justice is not only blind but also compassionate.”
Pritchett said he looks forward to witnessing the impact Proctor will have on society.
Proctor shared that a lesson that he will continue to follow is Pritchett’s words, “Proper preparation will take the stress out of any stressful situation.”
“He is by far the most prepared person and lawyer I have ever worked with,” Proctor said. “That is an example I am going to take hold of and try to maintain. That example had a profound impact on my life.”
Among Proctor’s new duties was to appoint Paul Oesterreicher to fill his former role as Butler County prosecuting attorney.
Proctor thanked Oesterreicher for his 30 years of service to the community.
Proctor also thanked the family members, friends and community members who attended Friday’s events.
He thanked his wife, Ashley, and three sons for understanding the demands of his work and the sacrifices they have made.
“Without you, I would be nothing,” he told his wife, adding to his family, “Thank you so much for understanding how important some of the things I do are.”
He thanked his father-in-law, who offered a prayer during the ceremony, as well as his mother, stepfather and siblings, for their contributions to his life.
If any of the defense attorneys wondered where he got his hard-headedness, Proctor said, it was from the woman sitting in the front row.
“Thank you so much for being an excellent mother,” he said. “You taught me the difference between right and wrong and to never quit, and most importantly, to never skip school.”
His stepfather showed him what a man should be, including going to work every day, no matter what.
Proctor also thanked the defense attorneys for helping him grow as an attorney and as a person.
“I look forward to working with you in this capacity... to continue to provide the finest legal services to the citizens of the 36th Judicial Circuit... and making sure that people’s rights are kept intact and that fairness prevails,” Proctor said.
Proctor also thanked the other circuit court judges for their efforts to help him transition and for working as a team.