Gov. Gary R. Herbert has appointed Matthew Bell as a judge to fill a newly created position on the Fifth District Court.
“Matthew’s extensive experience, impressive work ethic, respectful temperament and understanding toward all people will elevate the practice of law in southern Utah. I am proud to appoint Matthew Bell to the Fifth District Court,” Gov. Herbert said.
Since 2008, Bell has served as an assistant United States attorney for the United States Attorney’s Office in the District of Utah, prosecuting a wide variety of federal criminal offenses, including drug, gun, immigration, child exploitation, bank robbery and other offenses, as well as misdemeanor crimes occurring on federal lands within national parks. Bell also serves as an instructor for the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Academy at Dixie State University, where he teaches seminars on criminal law, criminal procedure, courtroom testimony and other topics required for the Utah Peace Officer certification. Prior to these roles, Bell served as a trial attorney for the United States Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division in Dallas, Texas, and a police officer for the St. George, Utah Police Department. Bell holds a J.D. from J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University.
“I am honored by Gov. Herbert’s appointment and humbled by his confidence in me,” Bell said. “If confirmed, I pledge to diligently perform my judicial duties with integrity, reason and civility.”
If confirmed, Bell will fill the position created by the Utah Legislature during the 2017 General Legislative Session. This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.
