Benton County Judge Vacancy Draws Three Candidates for Consideration

(KNSI) – Three names have been picked to replace a retiring Benton County Judge.

Judicial referee Amy Chantry, Benton County Attorney Karl Schmidt, and Stearns County Assistant Attorney Victoria Willis-Gutnik are the candidates vying to fill the seat of the Honorable Michael Jesse. Governor Walz will pick the next person to take the gavel in Foley after he’s had time to review the candidates.

Chantry works on cases involving housing, harassment, domestic violence, minor crimes, and minor civil matters. She previously served as a legal and policy advisor at the Minnesota Department of Health. Chantry’s community involvement includes volunteering as a mock trial judge and other student activities at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School.

Schmidt’s experience includes being the Benton County senior assistant county attorney, where he mainly handled felony prosecutions and fugitive and extradition cases. He’s also worked in the public defender’s office and as a law clerk. Schmidt’s community involvement includes volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and being a member of the Minnesota County Attorneys Association.

Willis-Gutnik focuses on domestic violence and human trafficking-related crimes. She was a judicial law clerk for Stearns County Judge Sarah Hennesy, a Minnesota Supreme Court nominee. Willis-Gutnik is a member of the Stearns Benton Bar Association, the Minnesota County Attorneys Association, and the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers.

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