Public defender now a judge

CALDWELL (AP) - Idaho public defender Molly Huskey has spent plenty of time trying to convince judges on her clients' behalf.

Now, Huskey will become one of those judges.

Gov. Butch Otter on Friday named Huskey to fill the 3rd Judicial District vacancy created by Judge Gregory W. Culet's retirement.

Since 2002, Huskey has overseen a 22-member staff at the State Appellate Public Defender's office.

Huskey has had the difficult task of defending convicted criminals including two teens from Pocatello, Brian Draper and Torey Adamcik, who were found guilty of murdering a classmate in a 2006 thrill-killing.

The post Huskey is taking up is based in Caldwell, where she will preside over cases from six counties: Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette and Washington.

She was among four candidates nominated.