CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Governor Mike DeWine announced the appointment of Keith Washburn to the Chillicothe Municipal Court, filling the vacancy left by retiring Judge Toni Eddy. Washburn, who will take office on February 3, 2025, will serve the remainder of the term and must run for election in November 2025 to retain the position.
Washburn’s career includes a long tenure with the Chillicothe Police Department, where he served as a patrolman beginning in 1995 and eventually became chief of police, a role he held until May 2020. During his time in law enforcement, he also worked as an instructor at the Ohio University Chillicothe Southern Police Training Institute.
After leaving law enforcement, Washburn transitioned into the legal field. He has practiced law since 2018 as the owner of Washburn Law Office. He also worked briefly as an assistant prosecuting attorney for the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office and currently serves as a staff attorney for the Fraternal Order of Police Ohio Labor Council.
Washburn’s education includes an associate’s degree in law enforcement technology and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ohio University. He earned his juris doctorate from Capital University Law School in 2018. He also served in the U.S. Army from 1990 to 1993 as an Intelligence Analyst Specialist.
Washburn’s appointment comes at a time when the court is undergoing leadership changes. He will be stepping into a role that requires balancing his law enforcement background with the responsibilities of the judiciary.
