Todd Jones Running for McCracken District Judge

First Assistant McCracken County Attorney Todd Jones has announced his candidacy for McCracken County District Judge.

Jones has worked for eight years as a prosecutor for McCracken County and four years as a trial attorney at the Department of Public Advocacy. Following his graduation from Paducah Tilghman High School, Jones attended University of Kentucky’s School of Business where he received a Bachelor of Science degree, Magna Cum Laude, with a double major in Accounting and Marketing, He obtained a law degree from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University before returning to his native Paducah to begin his legal career in public service.

In his current position, Jones has handled criminal, juvenile, traffic, DUI, and family law cases for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and civil cases for the McCracken County Fiscal Court. He has authored local ordinances banning the sale and possession of certain synthetic drugs sold at convenience stores under the labels of potpourri, bath salts and incense. 

“Before these ordinances were enacted, young people were purchasing these drugs at an alarming rate, resulting in overdoses and hospitalizations,” Jones said. “After the ordinances went into effect, convenience stores could no longer stock them and thus they were no longer accessible.”

In a press release, Jones says he believes his 12 years as a trial attorney have uniquely prepared him for the position of District Judge. “I understand the gravity of decisions made in court. Protecting the public is first and foremost. I’ve learned that drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment are tools that should be utilized to prevent future crime. I’ve made it a point to ensure no one is above the law. People from all walks of life come into court and they should all be respected and treated fairly.” He said.

McCracken County Sheriff Jon Hayden has reportedly endorsed Jones, as well as the Jackson Purchase Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 15. 

Jones was named a Young Leader of Western Kentucky by Four Rivers Business Journal in 2015, Jones regularly serves as a speaker for McCracken County Teen Court and Junior Citizens Police Academy, and invests time training local law enforcement professionals on legal issues and court preparedness. Jones lives in Paducah with his wife, Bethany Walker Jones.