Melissa Souto appointed circuit judge

Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday appointed the general counsel of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office as the newest judge on the 18th Judicial Circuit.

Melissa Souto of Sanford previously was an attorney with the Law Office of Sherman and Souto, the Governor’s Office said in a press release.

“I am confident that Melissa will serve with distinction and I appreciate her continued service to Florida families,” Scott said in the release.

Souto fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Linda D. Schoonover.

Souto, 38, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and her law degree from Florida State University College of Law. Souto began her legal career as an assistant state attorney in 2001.

The 18th Judicial Circuit covers Brevard and Seminole counties. Circuit judges deal with criminal felonies, domestic relations cases, probate matters and civil suits in which the amount in question is more than $15,000.