Sarah Huckabee Sanders has appointed Ashdown attorney Mickey Buchanan to serve as prosecuting attorney for the 9th West Judicial District, which includes Howard, Little River, Pike and Sevier counties. He will replace Jana Bradford, who is leaving office approximately four months before the end of her term. Bradford’s tenure as prosecuting attorney was marked by controversy surrounding her uncle, Barry Walker of Glenwood, who pleaded guilty in 2022 to more than 100 felony counts, including dozens of counts of child rape. Erin Hunter won the election outright in all four counties and is scheduled to take office Jan. 1. Buchanan’s appointment brings an additional twist to the transition: he is the same candidate Bradford defeated in the 2022 election for prosecuting attorney of the 9th West Judicial District.