Dougherty Senior Superior Court Judge Willie Locketts to step down; Victoria Johnson to run for seat

ALBANY — Dougherty County Chief Superior Court Judge Wilie Lockette’s announcement that he will not seek another term this year isn’t a retirement. Instead, the seven-term judge will continue serving in a part-time capacity.

Lockette, whose first election victory in 1996 was the first time an African American won a countywide contest since Reconstruction, was first appointed to the bench as an associate Magistrate Court judge in 1991 and became chief judge on that court in 1993.

The judge’s seventh term expires at the end of the year, and he said he made the announcement this week to allow local attorneys interested in running in the nonpartisan election this year the opportunity to make a decision. And one candidate jumped into the fray immediately after hearing of Lockette’s plans.

Dougherty Magistrate Court Judge Victoria Johnson announced Thursday that she plans to run for the seat that will be vacated by Lockette, The election date is May 21.

“I’ve been actually doing this for a long time,” Lockette said. “I’m not tired of doing it, but it’s just time I move to a different role.”

During his nearly three decades in the Superior Court, the most challenging period was during the COVID-19 pandemic when courts were closed for lengthy periods to help prevent spread of the disease. That effort was facilitated by moving hearings online through videoconferencing and online document signing software.

“We had to make changes in how we coordinate court operations during that time,” he said. “Our goal was to keep the courts open and to keep administering justice and to do that in a manner that was safe. We survived it and were never completely closed.”

Probate Court Judge Nancy Stephenson died in April 2020 after testing positive for COVID-19, and Lockette spent 14 days in the hospital after contracting the disease.

“As you realize, Dougherty County was a hot spot in terms of cases and fatalities,” he said.

When his term expires, the judge said he will move from full-time status to that of a senior judge. While senior judges can be assigned to cases across the state, Lockette said he will focus on Dougherty County and assisting the court in working through a backlog of cases piled up during the pandemic.

During his career, Lockette said he has tried to make decisions based on a quote from the philosopher Socrates that has been in his courtroom: “To hear courteously; to answer wisely; to consider soberly; and to decide impartially.”

“Those are the things I think a party is entitled to,” he said. “There’s no more serious business than judging and making sure people get a fair break when they have matters before the judge in the courtroom.

“It’s been an honor to serve and It’s an honor to continue serving.”

Johnson, meanwhile, is a seasoned legal professional with a proven track record in the judiciary. She currently serves as a Dougherty County Magistrate since being appointed by State Court Judge John Stephenson in 2018. She pledged to uphold integrity, fairness, and expertise on the Superior Court bench.

“I am honored to serve as a judge in Dougherty County,” she said. “During my tenure as judge, I have handled over 8,700 cases. On any given day you can find me sitting in Magistrate, State or Superior Court, as I have a special designation to have additional responsibilities in State and Superior Court. It has been my privilege to uphold the law and to fairly and efficiently administer justice on every case, every day. I hope to continue to do the same in Superior Court on a full-time basis.

“No matter who you are or your socioeconomic background, everyone is equal under the law. No matter what side of the case you fall on, you will know that you are appearing in front of a judge that will listen to each case carefully and will apply the law fairly. Rulings should be made thoughtfully, deliberatively, and timely.”

Prior to her judicial service, Johnson served as a full-time prosecutor for the Dougherty Circuit District Attorney’s Office, where she was the project director for the Domestic Violence Unit. She prosecuted well over 3,000 criminal cases, including murders, child molestations and family violence cases. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Albany State University, teaching Business Law.

Alongside her legal career, Johnson has been deeply engaged in the community. She is an active member of the Rotary Club of Albany, serves on the Board of Directors for Leadership Albany, and has held leadership roles in the legal community as the past president of the Dougherty Circuit Bar Association.

“I love Albany and the people of Dougherty County, and I pledge to continue to work hard for them in the courthouse and in the community,” Johnson said. “To the people of Dougherty County, I hope to earn your prayers, support, and vote on May 21.”

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