Risch chooses Kootenai deputy prosecutor for judge

The No. 2 attorney in the Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office was appointed district judge Friday by Gov. James Risch.

Lansing Haynes, Kootenai County’s chief deputy prosecutor, could assume the newly created position immediately after being sworn in. A date for that has not been set.

Haynes was the governor’s pick of three finalists, including Magistrate Scott Wayman and Coeur d’Alene attorney Ken Howard. The three were recommended by the Idaho Judicial Council, which interviewed nine applicants.

“The Judicial Council makes it very easy for me if they give me two that aren’t too qualified,” Risch said, adding that all three finalists were “outstanding people with outstanding qualifications.”

He said Haynes shares his “passion for public safety,” particularly where drugs are concerned. Risch said he feels that’s an area that needs attention.

Risch came to Coeur d’Alene on Friday to interview all three finalists and then introduced “Judge Haynes” at an afternoon press conference.

“I’m honored by the appointment and humbled by the responsibility,” Haynes said.

Haynes spent 18 years as the chief deputy prosecutor and prosecuted several high-profile cases. He was co-counsel with Kootenai County Prosecutor Bill Douglas and Deputy Prosecutor Rick Baughman for the coming triple-murder trial of Joseph Duncan.

Recently he was assigned to the case of suspected serial rapist Paul Hawkins, whose preliminary hearing is scheduled for next Friday.

Douglas said Haynes’ case assignments will go to his successor, whom Douglas said he has picked but won’t announce until next week.

Haynes’ co-workers wished him luck at Friday morning’s weekly staff meeting, Douglas said. “It was my feeling it was his time to be selected,” Douglas said. “It will be a tremendous loss to our office.”

Because Haynes has been actively involved in so many cases before the courts, he said he won’t be able to hear existing criminal cases his office is handling.

Risch said “there’s no lack of business” for the prosecutor’s office, though, and Haynes soon will have new cases to hear. He will also be able to preside over civil cases, Risch said.

Haynes, who has never practiced civil law, said there will be a learning curve.

But Risch said he didn’t think the transition would be that difficult.

Haynes started his career as a deputy prosecutor in Canyon County and worked as a public defender for Ada County. He moved to North Idaho in 1988 and took the position with the Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office.

He is married with two children and three grandchildren.