MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Governor Patrick Morrisey has appointed Brian Keith Cochran to serve as Mercer County’s 13th Circuit Court Judge.
Cochran will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge William J. Sadler, who stepped down from the bench in December.
“Cochran’s extensive courtroom experience, commitment to justice under the law, and deep roots in Mercer County make him exceptionally qualified to serve as Circuit Court Judge,” said Governor Morrisey. “His career reflects both legal excellence and a strong dedication to public service.”
Cochran has served as the Prosecuting Attorney for Mercer County since 2020 and brings more than 30 years of combined law enforcement and legal experience to the position.
During his career, he has handled a broad range of criminal and civil cases and has represented individuals, businesses, municipalities, and governmental entities throughout West Virginia.
He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Appalachian School of Law and holds degrees in criminal justice and liberal arts from Fairmont State College, Marshall University, and Glenville State College.
Cochran was admitted to the West Virginia State Bar in 2007 and has practiced in both public service and private law, including work as City Attorney for the City of Bluefield and as an associate attorney in private practice.
Cochran has also received several professional honors, including American Legion Police Officer of the Year and the U.S. Department of Justice Award for Meritorious Service.
A lifelong West Virginian, he has been active in youth sports, church involvement, and civic activities in Mercer County. He and his wife, Connie, have been married for more than 30 years and raised three children in the county.
Cochran said he is honored by the appointment and committed to serving the community.
“I greatly appreciate Governor Morrisey’s confidence in me to assume this very important role in our community. I pledge to ensure that justice is done fairly and impartially, and to be respectful to all who come before the court in order to provide every party a full and fair opportunity to be heard.”
Cochran will be required to run in the May 2026 election to serve the remaining seven years of Judge Sadler’s term.
