Former Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorney Brian Cespiva officially qualified for the 9th Judicial District Court seat being vacated by Judge Patricia Koch, who is set to retire on October 15.

Cespiva was the only candidate to qualify for the position, meaning he will automatically assume the judgeship and serve the remainder of Koch’s unexpired term. His experience as an assistant district attorney and his unopposed qualification positions him to step into the role without the need for an election.

Judge Koch’s retirement will mark the end of a notable tenure on the bench, and Cespiva’s appointment ensures continuity in the court’s operations moving forward.