Shakopee – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Caroline “Carrie” H. Lennon to a First Judicial District trial court bench vacancy in Scott County. The vacancy occurred with the retirement of the Honorable William F. Thuet. The Minnesota Supreme Court transferred the chambers of Judge Thuet’s position to the city of Shakopee in Scott County.

Lennon is an assistant Hennepin County Attorney in Minneapolis, a position she has held since 1990. She has also been appointed as a special assistant county attorney in Ramsey, Dakota, Washington, and Scott counties on individual cases. Lennon was a law clerk in the Hennepin County Attorney’s office from 1988 through 1989. Lennon earned her juris doctorate degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul in 1989 and her bachelor of arts degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield in 1985.

“Carrie is highly regarded for her extensive background in criminal law and her handling of many of the office’s more difficult cases,” Governor Pawlenty said. “In addition, her ability to handle a high volume of cases will be a great benefit to her as she takes the bench in a growing county with a growing caseload.”

Lennon is involved in numerous training programs, including Hennepin County District Court jury selection, Hennepin County probation officers, and Minneapolis Police Department in-service training on child abuse. She has also been a speaker and consultant with the American Prosecutor’s Research Institute, a presenter for the Minnesota County Attorney’s Association, a member of the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Team (SCANT), and a member of the Hennepin County Vulnerable Adult Law Enforcement Team. Her community activities include serving as a group facilitator and confirmation mentor for Augustana Lutheran Church, a parent volunteer for Heritage Middle School, and a Sibley High School basketball booster. She was also a parent volunteer for Somerset Elementary School, served on the Independent School District #197 Curriculum Advisory Board, and as a coach and parent volunteer for Mendota Heights Athletic Association.

Lennon, 45, was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and lives in Mendota Heights with her husband, Michael. They have two sons, R. J., and Jack.