Sanders Appoints Buchanan as 9th West Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney

Gov. 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.

Buchanan’s appointment takes effect Sept. 2. He will replace Jana Bradford, who is leaving office approximately four months before the end of her term. No reason was given for Bradford’s early departure.

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. Walker was sentenced to 39 life terms.

A civil lawsuit filed by Walker’s victims alleges that Bradford, during her years as a deputy prosecutor, used her position to shield her uncle from prosecution. Bradford has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime.

Parts of the civil lawsuit were settled in June, while the remaining claims are scheduled to go to trial in March 2027.

Bradford’s departure also follows her defeat in the March election. 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.