NEWS RELEASE
Contact:
Emma Williams
Office of the Governor
(385) 303-4383, ewilliams@utah.gov

SALT LAKE CITY (June 27, 2024) – The Fourth District Judicial Nominating Commission has
selected nominees for a vacancy on the Fourth District Court. This position results from the
completion of Judge Robert Lund’s term, effective Jan. 5, 2025.

The nominees for the vacancy are: Joshua Esplin, Chief Counsel/Attorney, Utah County Public
Defenders Association; Tony Graf, Judge Pro Tempore, Small Claims, Salt Lake City Justice
Court, Deputy County Attorney, Davis County Attorney’s Office; Shawn Howell, Attorney, Utah
County Public Defenders Association; Ryan Stack, Deputy County Attorney/Prosecuting
Attorney, Summit County; Kasey Wright, Attorney/Owner, Wright Law Firm, P.C.

Written comments can be submitted to the Fourth District Judicial Nominating Commission at
judicialvacancies@utah.gov or Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, P.O. Box 142330,
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2330. The deadline for written comments is noon July 8, 2024. The
Nominating Commission may request further information or conduct an investigation of the
nominees after reviewing public comments. After the public comment period, the names will be
sent to Gov. Spencer J. Cox, who will have 30 days to make an appointment. Gov. Cox’s
appointee is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.