SENATE CONFIRMS JUSTICE HJELM TO SUPREME COURT, STOKES TO SUPERIOR COURT

AUGUSTA—In unanimous votes, the Maine Senate confirmed the nominations of the Honorable Jeffrey Hjelm of Camden to the Maine Supreme Court and William Stokes of Augusta to the Maine Superior Court.

“I’m pleased the Senate agreed with the Judiciary Committee and unanimously confirmed the appointments of these two men to Maine’s court system,” said Democratic Senator Linda Valentino, the Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee.  “Maine people are fortunate to have such qualified, honorable justices.”

Prior to his time on the Knox County Superior Court, Justice Hjelm was appointed to the District Court in 1992 by Governor John McKernan. Governor Angus King appointed him to the Superior Court in 1998 and he was reappointed in 2005 by Governor John Baldacci.

Stokes is the chief of the criminal division in the Office of the Attorney General. During his tenure, he has overseen the prosecution of criminal cases, welfare fraud, drug offenses, and financial crimes. He has also worked in the civil division of the Attorney General’s Office.

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