Jackson County Court appoints Jalilah Otto as first African American presiding judge
Jackson County Circuit Court announced Judge Jalilah Otto as the court’s newest presiding judge and the first African American to take on the role in the court’s nearly 200-year history.
Otto is also the fourth woman to serve as presiding judge.
Otto was elected by her colleagues in December 2021 to the position, which oversees the budget and other administrative functions at the 16th Circuit Judicial Court. She began her two-year term at the start of the new year and served as presiding judge-elect in 2022.
In a news release, Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said he looks forward to working with Otto and the courts to create a more equitable future within the county.
“I am thrilled to congratulate Presiding Judge Jalilah Otto on her historic appointment,” White said, “to which she brings extensive knowledge, character and integrity that will ensure effective administration of the Court and fair treatment of those seeking justice.”
Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Otto as an associate circuit judge in 2014, and Gov. Eric Greitens appointed her as circuit judge in 2017. She also served as a federal and state prosecutor.
When Jon Gray retired in 2007 after serving 20 years as a circuit court judge, he told The Star the Black community received unfair treatment in the handling of court cases, including charges, quality of defense and length of sentences.
“Representation matters,” White said of Otto’s appointment, “and today, young Blacks girls across our community will see that they too can break the glass ceiling in whatever they strive to do.”
Edith Messina was the first female to serve a two year term as presiding judge from 1998 to 2000. Marco Roldan was the first person of color to serve as presiding judge.
Also on Monday, Candice Alcaraz was sworn in as Wyandotte County’s first Black female judge.
