Pictured: Judge Matthew Vaughn taking the Oath of Office as administered by Illinois Supreme Court Justice David Overstreet. Also pictured with Judge Vaughn is his wife, Kelli Vaughn.
Second Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan is honored to announce that local attorney, Matthew Vaughn has been sworn-in as the Wayne County Resident Circuit Judge. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Wayne County Courthouse in Fairfield where Illinois Supreme Court Justice David Overstreet administered the Oath of Office in the presence of a crowded courtroom of family, friends, and colleagues.
The judgeship became vacant upon the retirement of Judge Michael Molt on November 30, 2024. Justice David Overstreet appointed Attorney Vaughn to fill the vacancy pending the next judicial election, and pursuant to the authority of the Illinois Constitution, the Illinois Supreme Court entered an Order appointing him to the position of Wayne County Resident Circuit Judge effective February 20, 2025.
Judge Vaughn addressed the crowd following his swearing-in and has commented on his appointment to the judiciary stating, “It is an honor and privilege to be appointed to the position of Resident Circuit Judge in Wayne County. I look forward to working with all citizens involved in our legal community in the Second Judicial Circuit. I pledge hard work and commitment to the task.”
Chief Judge Morgan, who has served as Acting Resident Judge of Wayne County since December 2023, when former Resident Judge Michael Molt took a medical leave of absence from the bench, added, “I am honored to welcome Judge Vaughn to the judiciary. He brings to the bench extensive experience in the law and a commitment to serve the people of Wayne County. I am confident he will serve with integrity, impartiality, and compassion. On behalf of the Judges of the Second Circuit, we congratulate him on his appointment and swearing-in and look forward to serving with him.”
The Second Judicial Circuit is comprised of twelve (12) counties: Crawford, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White.
