Kalan Gardner Sr. sworn in as Precinct 8 Justice of the Peace; will serve retired Judge Tom Gillam III’s remaining term
Published 5:13 pm Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Kalan Gardner Sr., center, takes the oath of office as administered by Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 Place 1 Naomi Doyle. (LD Ray/Special to The News)
Newly sworn in Justice of the Peace Kalan Gardner Sr., seated, Judge Joseph Guillory II, Judge Naomi Royle, and retired Judge Donald Floyd. (LD Ray/Special to The News)
Family and friends line the courtroom to view the swearing in ceremony. (LD Ray/Special to The News)
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Kalan Gardner Sr. has been appointed to serve as Justice of the Peace, Precinct 8.
Gardner was appointed at the suggestion of Jefferson County Commissioner Michael Shane Sinegal Oct. 29. He was sworn into office Thursday.
Gardner will serve the remaining term of Justice of the Peace Tom Gillam III who retired in October.
Gardner said he is excited about the opportunity and to be able to serve the community in this capacity.
County Judge Jeff Branick said Gardner will attend a Justice of the Peace training school Dec. 8.
Gardner will serve in the Precinct 8 seat until November 2026.
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct suspended Gillam Sept. 1, 2023 for a pending criminal matter. Gillam agreed to retire and never serve in a judicial seat as part of an agreement where charges of official oppression were dismissed.
Justice of the Peace Precinct 7 Brad Burnett has most recently been covering the Precinct 8 court duties.
Gardner is born and raised in Port Arthur and is senior pastor at First Sixth Street Baptist Church.
He told commissioners he appreciates the opportunity and plans to serve the community well.
