Keith Stokes Roberts is the newly appointed Municipal Court Judge for the City of Winona.
Winona Police Chief Roshaun Daniels recommended Roberts for the position during a regular meeting of the Winona Board of Aldermen on Tuesday, stating the position was vacant due to Alan D. Lancaster’s winning the race for the Fifth District Circuit Court Judge seat in the November election.
Daniels said he suggested Roberts for the position because he previously served as pro-temp Municipal Court judge whenever Lancaster was unable to preside over cases.
“We already had a good working relationship with him,” said Daniels. “I thought it should go to him since he was the pro-temp.”
Daniels added that court proceedings were generally conducted “smoothly” when Roberts was in charge.
On Alderman Charles Harris’ motion which was seconded by Alderwoman Sylvia Clark, the Winona Board of Aldermen voted all in favor of the appointment in Alderman Mickey Austin’s absence.
Harris said Roberts had been serving as pro-temp for the position since 2021, when he was appointed to replace retiring Donald Bond.
“I thought it was fair because he’s already the pro-temp,” said Harris. “He’s already qualified.”
