ELKO, Nev. (AP) — A former Nevada Highway Patrol trooper has become the newest judge in Elko.
Elias "Choch" Goicoechea was sworn in Friday as justice of the peace in a newly created court in the northeast Nevada city.
Goichochea joins Justice of the Peace Mason Simons on the local bench, which now has two departments.
The Elko Daily Free Press reports that more than 100 people filled Elko District Court Judge Nancy Porter's courtroom for the swearing-in ceremony on Friday.
Goicoechea spent 17 years with the highway patrol before being elected judge in November.
Justices of the peace in Nevada hear small civil claims along with criminal misdemeanor trials.
They host initial appearances, set bail amounts and handle probable cause hearings in felony cases.