INDIANAPOLIS (March 11, 2005) - Governor Mitch Daniels today appointed two prosecutors as circuit court judges in Wayne and Clay counties. David Kolger of Richmond will serve in Wayne County and Robert Pell of Brazil will be the new judge in Clay County.

"David and Bob both have reputations as tough but fair prosecutors. Both have vast courtroom experience and are community leaders," said Governor Daniels. "David has faithfully served the citizens of Wayne County for many years as prosecutor, and is held in high regard by members of both the bar and bench. Bob has built a reputation as a diligent, level-headed prosecutor and a respected veteran of the Clay County courts on top of an impressive career as a private practitioner."

Kolger is the Wayne County Prosecutor and has worked for a total of 21 years in the prosecutor's office. From 1984 to 1990 he served as a part-time prosecutor while in private practice. He serves as vice president of the board for the JACY House/Justice Advocacy Center for Youth, Inc., and is a member of the Triad board of directors. He earned an undergraduate degree from Ball State University and his law degree from the Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis.

"As a prosecutor, I've worked hard to uphold the law, and to seek justice for victims and their families. I've always made decisions with careful regard to the law, and will continue to do so as judge," said Kolger.

Pell is the Clay County Chief Deputy Prosecutor. He also has been a public defender, president of the county bar association and chair of the Brazil Board of Zoning Appeals and the Area Plan Commission. He is secretary of the Clay Community Parks Association and a former board member of Habitat for Humanity of Clay County. Pell earned his undergraduate degree in forensic studies from Indiana University and his law degree from the Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis.

"I've handled many prosecutions during my years of courthouse experience, as well as criminal defense work and civil matters. Over the years, I've learned to work to resolve conflicting viewpoints effectively, which I think will serve me well on the bench," said Pell.

The vacancy in Clay Circuit Court was created by Governor Daniels' appointment of Judge Ernie Yelton as the head of the Indiana Gaming Commission in January. The Wayne Circuit Court vacancy resulted from the retirement of Judge Doug VanMiddlesworth earlier this year.

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Media contact: Jane Jankowski, 317/232-1622; jjankowski@gov.in.gov