Gov. Kevin Stitt has appointed Adam Panter to serve as the district attorney for the 23rd Judicial District that includes Lincoln and Pottawatomie Counties.
Associate District JudgeTracy McDaniel administered the oath of office to Panter early Monday morning this week at the Pottawatomie County Courthouse in Shawnee.
Panter will serve out the remainder of the term of Allan Grubb whose resignation became effective Sep. 30.
Panter previously served as an Assistant District Attorney for former DA Richard Smothermon from 2008-2016 following his graduation from law school. He was elevated to first assistant DA, serving in that capacity until the end of 2018.
He and his wife Jennifer live in Shawnee with their two daughters Corbyn and Adalyn.
The sheriffs in Pottawatomie and Lincoln Counties were asked for their reactions to Panter’s appointment as the new DA.
Lincoln County Sheriff Charlie Dougherty said, “I would just like to thank the governor and his staff for all of the work and consideration they have put into the District Attorney appointment, it is a great day for law enforcement in the 23rd district. I am extremely pleased with the Governor’s choice and look forward to working with newly appointed District Attorney Adam Panter for District 23.”
Pottawatomie County Sheriff, Michael Booth, noted, “As Sheriff, I have worked with Adam while he was a prosecutor and have known him as a knowledgeable, fair and strong prosecutor. He established a great working relationship with my office and was involved many times in training for my office. Adam Panter is a team player and in my opinion, will help restore the faith and confidence in our justice system, with all citizens and Law Enforcement in Pottawatomie County.”
In a press release from the governor’s office, Panter said, “I am excited and prepared to restore citizen’s faith in the Office of District Attorney for Pottawatomie and
Lincoln counties. Although this appointment is bittersweet, as it comes as a result of the tragic passing of David Hammer, I am resolved to see his vision for integrity and professionalism returned to this office,” said Panter. I am especially grateful for the opportunity bestowed on me by Governor J. Kevin Stitt, granting me the ability to continue to seek our shared passion for justice, tempered with mercy.”
Prior to his appointment, Panter served as an assistant D.A. in Oklahoma’s Seventh District Attorney’s Office since 2019. He held the roles of general felony team leader, special assistant United States attorney for the western district of Oklahoma and domestic violence division team leader.
Panter received a Bachelor of Science in zoology fromtheUniversityofOklahoma, and then attended Oklahoma City University Law School, receiving his juris doctorate in 2008.