Six finalists picked for open Tallahassee judgeship

Two veteran prosecutors are among the six finalists that Gov. Rick Scott will choose from to fill an open judicial seat for the Tallahassee region.

The Second Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), after interviewing 12 applicants Tuesday, now sends their list to Scott. He has 60 days to make a decision.

The finalists, according to JNC chair Christi Gray, are:

Georgia Cappleman, an assistant state attorney in Tallahassee.

Eddie Evans, an assistant state attorney in Tallahassee.

Cedell Garland, a senior assistant attorney general.

Joseph Jones, a partner in Berger Singerman’s Tallahassee office.

James Marsh, chief of corrections litigation for the Attorney General’s Office.

Amanda Wall, administrative magistrate for the 2nd Judicial Circuit.

Among those not making the cut are Alan Abramowitz, executive director of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Office. This was his third application for a judgeship.

The other unsuccessful applicants are Russell Kent, special counsel for litigation at the Attorney General’s Office; Acelo “Ace” Pedroso, magistrate for the 2nd Judicial Circuit; Jacqueline Smith, child support hearing officer for the 2nd Judicial Circuit; Donna Christine Thurman, a family law attorney in Tallahassee; and Zachary R. White, an attorney in private practice in Tallahassee.

The opening was created by the retirement of Circuit Judge Charles Francis. Francis, first appointed to the bench in 1999, will step down from judicial office on March 31.

The 2nd Judicial Circuit, headquartered in Tallahassee, covers Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties in north Florida.