The First Judicial District Magistrates Commission will meet to select a magistrate judge to replace Judge Robert Caldwell, who died in April at age 59.

Caldwell spent 17 years as a magistrate judge chambered at the court facilities in his hometown of Coeur d’Alene. He was to retire from active service at the end of his term in January 2027. 

The following applicants are being considered: 

• Samuel Camp, deputy attorney general for the office of the Attorney General in Boise 

• John Cummings, a trial attorney for the Idaho State Public Defender’s Office in Pocatello 

• Patricia Espeland, lead attorney for the Idaho State Public Defender’s Office in Wallace 

• Ryan Farrell, a term law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit in Coeur d’Alene 

• Britney Jacobs, a deputy prosecutor for the Shoshone County Prosecutor’s Office 

• Nicholas Lepire, a deputy prosecutor for the Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office 

• Desiree Shiffler Martin, a staff attorney for Bonneville County, 7th Judicial District 

• Matthew Rakes, owner and attorney at Rakes Meditation and Family Law in Coeur d’Alene 

• Kurt Schwab, attorney and owner at Rathdrum and Post Falls Estate Planning 

• Chris Schwartz, partner at Schwartz/Gillihan in Coeur d’Alene 

• Donald Terry, a trial attorney for the Idaho State Public Defender’s Office in Sandpoint 

Evaluation questionnaires on the applicants will be sent to attorneys statewide. To obtain questionnaires for public comment, contact First District Trial Court Administrator Lisa Chesebro at 208-446-1265 or [email protected].

Kootenai County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize the placement of a memorial plaque in honor of Caldwell in Courtroom 4 of the old courthouse. 

First District Judge Destry Randles told commissioners that Courtroom 4 is where Caldwell traditionally resided. 

The plaque will include Caldwell's years of service and a quote commemorating his dedication to his community.