Benton Franklin Superior Court Judge Cameron Mitchell announced that he will retire effective March 11. He has served since 2004 when he was appointed to fill a vacancy.

Mitchell’s retirement along with the leave of absence taken by Judge Sam Swanberg after an ex-girlfriend accused him of harassment, could leave the court two judges short.

Danielle Purcell, Benton Franklin Bar Association’s new secretary posted an announcement of Mitchell’s retirement in the group’s recent newsletter. The former secretary, Jennifer Azure, was criticized by members for failing to post a vacancy on Benton County District Court that she had applied for. The Benton County Commission appointed Azure to that seat.

Governor Jay Inslee will pick someone to replace Mitchell until the next election. The deadline for applications is January 18, 2022.