RELEASE: Gov. Little Announces Judicial Appointments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2026

Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today his appointment of Erin Blackadar as a district judge in the 4th District (Ada County) and Judge Brent Ferguson as a district judge in the 4th District (Elmore County).

Blackadar graduated from University of Idaho College of Law in 2012. She received her undergraduate degree from Middlebury College in Vermont in 2007. Blackadar serves as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, a position she has held since August of 2022. Prior to her current role, she served for one year as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney. In her current practice, Blackadar prosecutes a range of federal crimes, with an emphasis on child exploitation offenses. Before transitioning to the federal system, Blackadar spent seven years as a prosecutor for Ada County, where she handled a variety of criminal offenses, with an emphasis on child abuse and sexual assault cases. She also spent her first two years after law school in private practice focusing on medical malpractice defense.

“I am honored by Governor Little’s appointment and grateful for the opportunity to serve as a District Judge. I look forward to serving in the Fourth Judicial District, where I will execute my duties with integrity, impartiality, and dedication,” Blackadar said.

Judge Ferguson graduated from UCLA School of Law in 2005. He received his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from California State University at Bakersfield in 2001. Prior to graduating from college and attending law school, Judge Ferguson served in the U.S. Army from 1988-1992 and then was a police officer for more than seven years in southern California. Following law school, Judge Ferguson worked for a law firm practicing civil law. He then joined the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office, where he handled all types of criminal and child protection cases during his thirteen years with the office. He was then appointed to a magistrate judge position in Elmore County in 2020, where he handles a general case load including both civil and criminal matters. Judge Ferguson also has presided over the Elmore County Drug and DUI Court.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to be selected by Governor Little to serve as Elmore County’s next District Court Judge. I will continue to do my best to serve the people of Elmore County and the Fourth Judicial District. I have devoted my life to public service and will continue to serve my community with honor, integrity, and a commitment to the rule of law,” Ferguson said.

Idaho Code 1-2101, et seq., addresses how judicial vacancies in the Idaho Supreme Court, Idaho Court of Appeals, and District Courts are filled. The Idaho Judicial Council submits a list of at least three qualified candidates to Governor Little for appointment, consistent with Idaho law.

Governor Little also announced his appointment of Jennifer Riebe and Judge John Lothspeich to the Idaho Judicial Council. The Judicial Council is the statutory body charged with investigating complaints against judges and recommending judicial appointments to the Governor.

Riebe has served as Payette County commissioner since 2022, following 15 years on the county’s Planning and Zoning Commission. She has served on several regional and state boards, including the Idaho Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Southwest District Health, and Payette County Paramedics, and has been active with the Idaho Association of Counties. Her community service includes the Payette County Soil and Water Conservation District, Sand Hollow Community Hall, and local election administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a master’s degree in entomology, both from the University of Wisconsin.

Judge Lothspeich is a magistrate judge of the 5th Judicial District in Jerome County.

He grew up in Grangeville and obtained his bachelor’s degree and juris doctor from the University of Idaho. He began his legal career as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Jerome and Twin Falls counties, until he was elected Prosecuting Attorney for Jerome County in 1996. In 2000, Judge Lothspeich joined the Jerome law firm of Williams, Meservy and Lothspeich where he maintained a general practice until his appointment as Magistrate Judge in 2018.

About Brad Little

Brad Little is the 33rd Governor of Idaho.

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